Bipolar disorder refers to a psychiatric condition characterized by emotional extremes--depression and mania. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that bipolar disorder symptoms include sadness, appetite changes, agitation, trouble sleeping and a feeling of extreme happiness. Several drugs are commonly used for bipolar treatment.
Lithium
Lithium, commonly sold as Lithonate, Eskalith or Lithobid, is a medication that specifically treats the manic (extreme happiness) episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Drugs.com says that lithium affects the sodium flowing through the nerve and muscle cells in the body. Its less concerning effects include weakness, a lack of coordination, hand tremors and itching of the skin. Some of lithium's serious side effects include light-headedness, extreme thirst, seizure, muscle stiffness and frequent or decreased urination. Notify a doctor when lithium leads to these effects. Suffering from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), heart or kidney disease and dehydration may require a reduction in lithium's dose. Lithium is a liquid, tablet or capsule taken daily or as prescribed.
Olanzapine
Olanzapine, commonly sold as Symbyax, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. Medline Plus says this drug treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Olanzapine's less serious side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth and trouble walking. Some of olanzapine's serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, a fast or irregular heartbeat, visual changes and swelling of the arms, feet, lower legs and hands. Notify a doctor when olanzapine leads to these effects. Taking such drugs as ticlopidine, levofloxacin, norfloxacin or levodopa may require an alteration in olanzapine's dose. Olanzapine is a tablet taken once a day.
Risperidone
Risperidone, commonly sold as Risperdal, is another antipsychotic medication that treats bipolar disorder. Drugs.com says that risperidone also treats schizophrenia and irritability in autistic children. Its less concerning side effects include weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation and sleepiness. Some of risperidone's serious side effects include a fever, chills, stiff muscles, trouble swallowing and fainting. Call a doctor when risperidone leads to these effects. Suffering from seizures, difficulty swallowing, seizures, epilepsy and breast cancer may require a decrease in risperidone's dose. Risperidone is a liquid or tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
