Bipolar disorder affects nearly six million American adults, according to 2009 information from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Mood stabilizers and other medications can effectively reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder and help those with the disorder function better in everyday life. Those with bipolar should talk to their doctor or a health professional about their medication options.
Types of Mood Stabilizers
Doctors determine which mood stabilizer to prescribe based upon the current state of the bipolar individual and the person’s medical background. Lithium is effective at treating mania. Divalproex, also called valproic acid, or valproate, treats mixed mania and those with delusions, hallucinations or rapid cycling. Carbamazepine treats euphoric and mixed mania, while lamotrigine treats the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. The medications gabapentin and topiramate may also act as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder.
Side Effects of Mood Stabilizers
Although mood stabilizers are effective at treating bipolar disorder, many may produce unwelcome side effects. Common side effects of lithium include mild hand tremors, itching skin, thinning of the hair, mild nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset, weakness or lack of coordination. Divalproex may cause weight changes, vision changes, hair loss, drowsiness, unusual taste in the mouth, diarrhea, tremor, nausea, dizziness, enlarged breasts and changes in menstrual periods. Side effects of carbamazepine may include unsteadiness, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, confusion, blurred vision, headache, ringing in the ears, joint or muscle pain, swollen tongue, dry mouth and leg cramps. Lamotrigine may cause abdominal pain, back pain, vision changes, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, coughing, fatigue, nausea, rash, insomnia, runny nose, difficulty sleeping, sore throat, vomiting and uncoordinated movements. Gabapentin side effects include lack of coordination, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dry mouth, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sleep problems, acne or a mild skin rash. Side effects of topiramate include sleep problems, tiredness, numbness or tingling, speech or balance problems, slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, decrease in appetite and weight loss.
Other Medications
Doctors sometimes prescribe benzodiazepines in addition to mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder to reduce tension and improve sleep. Atypical antipsychotic medications can quickly control acute manic episodes and are sometimes continued into the maintenance phase if the person with bipolar has psychotic symptoms, according to Pendulum Resources. While antidepressant medications can induce a manic episode, they may prove useful in the treatment of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications may be less likely to cause a manic episode, but people taking these medications should still take caution and receive careful monitoring from a mental health professional or doctor.
Considerations
Bipolar disorder is often best controlled when people take medication continuously rather than on and off, explains the National Institute of Mental Health. However, even in the case of continuous medication, people need to report all changes in mood or symptoms to a doctor, so dosages or medications can be adjusted to provide the most effective treatment. Keeping a chart of daily mood symptoms, sleep patterns, medications and life events may help doctors track and treat the illness and provide patients and their families with a better understanding of the disorder.
Misconceptions
Medication alone may not be an adequate treatment for bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy, pyschoeducation, family therapy, lifestyle modifcations and alternative treatment options can also help reduce the negative effects of this disorder. Individuals with bipolar should explore all their treatment options with a doctor to create a comprehensive treatment plan that covers a number of these treatment options.
