Depressive episodes are the most frequent episodes in bipolar disorder. Few treatments, however, have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar depression.
Cariprazine, a broad-spectrum dopamine antagonist/partial agonist with dopamine D3/D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist properties, was recently approved.
Partial agonism/antagonism at D3 receptors inhibits the activity of somatodendritic D3 receptors in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), resulting in increased dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex and subsequent mood improvement. Cariprazine is a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptors and binds to them with moderate affinity this property contributes to antidepressant effects.
