A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Topiramate Compared to Placebo in the Treatment of Patients With Bipolar I Disorder

Inclusion Criteria: * DSM-IV diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder (confirmed by the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime version \[K-SADS-P/L\]) * YMRS score greater than or equal to 20 * General good health as determined by medical history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluations * Ability to swallow tablets * Patient's parent or guardian must be fully capable of monitoring the patient's disease process and compliance to treatment * Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must read and sign the informed consent form after the nature of the study has been fully explained and assent must be obtained from patients Exclusion Criteria: * DSM-IV Axis I disorder diagnoses of autistic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic disorders not otherwise specified (NOS) * DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol or substance dependence, with the exception of nicotine or caffeine dependence, within the 3 months prior to baseline. Acute or intermittent substance abuse prior to screening will not be exclusionary, depending upon the clinical judgment of the investigator * Chronic antidepressant treatment within 4 weeks of randomization (5 weeks for fluoxetine), use of psychostimulants in the 7 days prior to baseline, use of any other psychotropic medications within 3 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is less, prior to baseline, or requirement for treatment with other psychotropic drugs on an ongoing basis * Weight less than 33 kg or current or past history of anorexia nervosa * Serious or unstable medical or neurological conditions