Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by cycles of manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar is a difficult condition that affects all parts of one's life and can have dangerous and long-term consequences. Many medications are available for the treatment of this disorder, and each person responds differently to a particular medication. Often it takes trying multiple medications to find one that treats symptoms with the least number of side effects or discomfort for the patient.
Lithium
Lithium is a type of medication known as an antimanic agent. It works by decreasing abnormal activity within the brain. Patients with bipolar disorder use lithium to maintain mood stability by preventing extreme high and low moods. The National Institutes of Health report that common side effects of lithium use include restlessness, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss and joint or muscle pain. In rare cases, serious side effects such as seizures, fast or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, hallucinations, rash or swelling of various body parts can occur. Blood tests are needed on a regular basis to check for thyroid and kidney problems that are possible from the use of lithium.
Antipsychotics
A variety of atypical antipsychotic medications are used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder, often in conjunction with other medications. Research from the University of Oxford showed that antipsychotic medications can be quite effective to help stabilize bipolar symptoms. Zyprexa, Abilify, Seroquel, Risperdal and Geodon are the most commonly prescribed antipsychotics for bipolar disorder and are most often used for controlling sudden and ongoing mania symptoms. Zyprexa and Abilify are both available in pill form and can be injected to treat acute mania episodes. Seroquel, Risperdal and Geodon were originally used to treat mania episodes, but these medications have now also been FDA-approved to treat either depressive or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsant medications are used as mood stabilizers for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Valproic acid, known as Depakote, is the most commonly used anticonvulsant for bipolar patients, and it is highly effective, according to information from the medication guide provided by the FDA. Lamictal and Tegretol are mood stabilizers used as well, but not as commonly as Depakote. Common side effects of anticonvulsant medications include drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, tremors, nausea and diarrhea.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not typically prescribed alone for bipolar disorder, as they do not treat symptoms of mania, but they may be used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer. According to the Mayo Clinic, antidepressants are not prescribed alone due to the risk of triggering mania as well as increasing the frequency of manic and depressive episodes. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, sleep disturbances including insomnia or drowsiness, agitation and sexual difficulties.
Symbyax
Symbyax is a combination of two medications, olanzapine and fluoxetine hydrochloride, prescribed for the short-term treatment of episodes of depression that happen with bipolar type 1 disorder. The FDA indicates that Symbyax should not be taken in combination with an MAIO, as it may cause life-threatening side effects. Side effects of Symbyax include headaches, sore throat, weight gain, swelling, insomnia, sexual difficulties, tardive dyskinesia and serotonin syndrome.
