 Purpose: This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of riluzole Rilutek trademark for short-term treatment of depression symptoms, such as depressed mood, psychomotor retardation, and excessive sleeping in patients with bipolar disease. Riluzole is approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Preliminary findings of a study using riluzole to treat acute depression in patients with unipolar depression indicate that it may have antidepressant properties in some patients. 