What are the preferred oral antimanic medications in an inpatient setting?

In an inpatient setting, the preferred oral antimanic medications are typically those that are rapid-acting. This preference aligns with the clinical need for immediate stabilization of mood in patients exhibiting acute manic episodes. Rapid-acting medications can quickly help alleviate symptoms, allowing for more immediate intervention when a patient is experiencing significant manic behavior. This can be vital for ensuring the safety of the patient and those around them, as well as improving overall functioning.

While other formulations, such as sustained-release or extended-release, can be beneficial in outpatient management or maintenance therapy, they often do not provide the swift onset of action necessary for inpatient treatment. Long-acting formulations, while useful in certain contexts, may not be suitable for the dynamic and often rapidly changing conditions found in inpatient psychiatric care. Thus, rapid-acting oral antimanics are prioritized for their effectiveness in acute settings.