Abstract
In this paper, information has been presented on combination therapy with the use of mood-stabilizing drugs in bipolar affective illness, in the context of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these drugs. A concept of classifi cation of mood-stabilizing drugs into fi rst- and second generation mood stabilizers has been discussed, based on a chronology of introducing these drugs to therapy of bipolar affective illness. The possibilities of employing mood-stabilizing drugs in combination treatment of mania and depression in the course of bipolar affective illness as well as for a prophylaxis of affective recurrences in this illness have been presented. In the further part of the paper, data on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions have been discussed concerning mood-stabilizers of fi rst generation such as lithium, valproates and carbamazepine as well as of second generation including clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, risperidone and lamotrigine.