Which of the following drugs is both effective and safe to use in a pregnant patient suffering from bipolar disorder?: (A) Carbarnazepine, (B) Lithium, (C) Olanzapine, (D) Valproic acid
Answer is C. (Ref: KDT 6/2 p429, 430) All of these drugs can be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder but carbamazepine, lithium and valproic acid are teratogenic. Olanzapine is safe in pregnancy.