Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious brain illness that causes fluctuations in mood and behavior. Although chemical imbalances in the brain are thought to contribute to the development of bipolar disorder, genetic and environmental factors also play a role. A number of drugs are available to help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, including lithium and atypical anti-psychotic medicines. A class of drugs known as anti-seizure medications may also be helpful in treating bipolar disorder.
Valproate
Valproate, also known as valproic acid, is used for the treatment of both epilepsy and bipolar disorder. In the U.S. it is available as a tablet, in syrup form or can be administered by intravenous injection. Valproate exerts its therapeutic effect by reducing high frequency neuronal firing. According to a health guide published in “The New York Times,” valproate is a first option for many patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In a review published in “The Cochrane Collaboration,” lead author K. Macritchie concurs, stating that there is "consistent, if limited, evidence that valproate is an efficacious treatment for acute mania.”
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is prescribed as a maintenance treatment for people with bipolar disorder and works by reducing brain activity. MedlinePlus, a U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health sponsored website, notes that lamotrigine increases the time between episodes of depression, mania and abnormal moods in patients with bipolar disorder. According to New York based doctor, Ivan Goldberg, lamotrigine is effective in stabilizing mood in patients who have failed to respond to other drug treatments. Dr. Goldberg also notes that lamotrigine has a somewhat benign side-effect profile.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain and is available as extended-release chewable tablets and in liquid form. According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, the recommended initial dosage of carbamazepine is 200 mg two times per day. Carbamazepine is an unsuitable treatment for bipolar patients who have a history of bone marrow suppression and those who are allergic to certain anti-depressants.
Other Anti-Seizure Drugs
Other anti-seizure drugs that have been investigated as potential treatments for bipolar disorder include gabapentin, zonisamide and topiramate. According to "The New York Times," however, it is not yet clear if any of these drugs will ultimately be useful for the treatment of acute mania. Gabapentin is known as a GABA analog and is primarily used to treat epilepsy and pain. Zonisamide is an oral sulfonamide drug for the treatment of partial seizures in adults, while topiramate is used to control seizures in epilepsy patients whose condition is not being controlled by other drugs.
