Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes mood changes, alternating from euphoria or agitation to depression. It is also known as manic depressive disorder and most commonly starts during the late teen or early adult years. Though the condition can be debilitating, there are a number of medications that are effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Lithium
Lithium is the oldest medication found to be effective for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Though it is the most well-known treatment, it may cause a number of bothersome side effects. Common side effects include weight gain, tremor and memory impairment. It may also cause adverse events, such as kidney and thyroid toxicity. Because of potential organ impairment, blood monitoring of concentration levels is often required.
Valproic Acid
Valproic acid, a medication commonly used to treat childhood seizure disorder, was approved by the FDA in 1995 to treat bipolar disorder. Like lithium, it may also cause weight gain and foggy thinking, along with drowsiness or dizziness. It may also cause more serious adverse events, such as a blood disorder, liver damage and pancreatic toxicity. Some patients also experience an increase in testosterone levels, which may result in a skin disorder and aggression. Use of valproic acid commonly warrants periodic blood chemistry testing to monitor these effects, states the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Anticonvulsants
Several anticonvulsants, including topiramax, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine, have been used for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Though they may not cause severe side effects and are often used as an alternative to more traditional medications, the NIMH reports that no large clinical studies have shown them to be more effective than other medications. Side effects of anticonvulsants used to treat bipolar disorder may include concentration impairment, sedation and changes in weight, including both loss and gain.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Newer medications known as atypical antipsychotics, including risperiedone, aripiprazole, quetiapine, ziprasidone and olanzapine, are used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder. They may cause common side effects, including weight gain, sedation and memory impairment. According to Schizophrenia.com, some medications of this category may also cause disturbances in prolactin levels, resulting in female menstrual irregularity and the possibility of breast tissue development in both men and women. All antipsychotics, including these medications, may cause long-term movement disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia, which is often permanent.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, buproprion and many others, are often used to treat the depression phase of bipolar disorder. They are used in combination with antimanic agents and should not be given alone due to the risk of triggering a severe manic episode. Though the medications are commonly used, a study conducted by the NIMH concluded that they may not be helpful in many patients and not all patients will benefit from their use. Antidepressants may cause side effects, including changes in sleep and eating patterns, weight loss or gain, and a decrease in sex drive.
