About Us | Privacy | Site Map
June 18, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
...
7
...

Bipolar Disorder (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Bipolar Disorder Medications

A variety of medications are available by prescription. These medications are usually referred to as mood stabilizers. Other classes of medications, including anticonvulsant medications and atypical antipsychotic medications, may also be helpful in treating bipolar disorder.

  • Many people start by taking lithium, which has been used for many years to treat bipolar disorder. Yet as many as half of all people with bipolar disorder do not respond to this medication.
  • Other possibilities for medical treatment are antiseizure medications that function as mood stabilizers. Antiseizure medicines that are sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder as well include carbamazepine (Tegretol), valproic acid (Depakote), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).
  • The atypical antipsychotic medications, including olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel), Ziprasidone (Geodon), and Clozapine (Clorazil), used to treat psychosis are sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder; these medications have been shown to be effective for such symptoms.
  • All these medications have side effects, and each person with bipolar disorder needs close monitoring for the side effects while taking the medication.
  • Antidepressant medication is sometimes taken with a mood-stabilizer medication during depressive episodes. Taking the antidepressant medication alone can trigger mania. There is now a ready-made combination medicine approved for use in bipolar depression, Symbyax, which has the antipsychotic drug, olanzapine, along with the antidepressant, fluoxetine (Prozac), both in one capsule.

The choice of medications is customized for each person.

  • Be sure to tell your health care professional about any other medical conditions you have.
  • Tell your health care professional about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal preparations. These may interact with the medications used for bipolar disorder. For example, the herbal preparation known as St. John's wort may reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Also, since it is itself an antidepressant, it may trigger a manic episode in a person with BD who is not on another mood stabilizer.
  • Women also should discuss any plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding with their health care professional, because a change in medication may be necessary.

Lithium: The exact way lithium works in controlling the mood swings of bipolar disorder is unknown.

  • Lithium may take as long as two weeks to take full effect.
  • It may have an "anti-suicide effect."
  • Levels of the drug must be closely monitored with blood tests.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and do not restrict intake of salt while taking lithium because dehydration can cause the level of the drug in the blood to be dangerously high.
  • If you have kidney or heart problems, you may be started on another medication instead.
  • Most common side effects are thirst, increased urination, diarrhea, nausea, tremors, and dizziness.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol): This medication reduces the excitability of brain cells and helps to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

  • It is especially good for those who cycle between mania and depression very quickly.
  • This drug may be used alone or in combination with another medication.
  • Levels of medication and blood cell counts are monitored.
  • Do not use this drug if you have a liver or blood disease.
  • Do not drink alcohol if you are taking this drug.
  • Side effects include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, nausea, trouble urinating, and low blood count (rare).

Must Read Articles Related to Bipolar Disorder

Depression
Depression Depression is a mental illness that affects 19 million Americans annually. Causes are genetic, environmental, and biological. Symptoms and signs include weight ...learn more >>
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression occurs in 10%-20% of women after having a baby. Symptoms and signs include frequent crying, sleep disturbance, and weight loss. Treatment ...learn more >>
Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Seasonal Depression (SAD) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Symptoms include depressed mood, fatigue, feelings of worthlessne...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Bipolar Disorder - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What are your bipolar disorder symptoms?

Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Effective Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your bipolar disorder (mania)?

Emotional Wellness

Get tips on therapy and treatment.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Bipolar Affective Disorder »

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness (MDI), is one of the most common, severe, and persistent mental illnesses.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies