Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a mood disorder that causes the patient to have shifts between depression and mania. According to the National Institutes of Health, depression symptoms includes sadness, thoughts of death, sleeping disorders, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness; mania symptoms, on the other hand, include euphoria, a decreased need for sleep, excessive talking, irritability and participation in risky behavior. Manic depression patients can use medication to control these symptoms and prevent the mood swings.
Mood Stabilizers
According to the National Institutes of Health, mood stabilizers are one of the cornerstones of manic depression treatment. Mood stabilizers can be divided into two categories: lithium and anticonvulsants. Lithium salts were first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of mania in the 1970s; however, lithium can also be used for depression in some patients, according to the National Institutes of Health. Anticonvulsants are also used to treat mania: examples include lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproic acid (Depakote).
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics are another medication to treat the symptoms of manic depression, according to the National Institutes of Health. When combined with another manic depression medication, atypical antipsychotics are very effective. Aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal) and ziprasidone (Geodon) can all be used. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is used for severe or psychotic depression, while clozapine (Clorazil) is prescribed to people who do not respond to lithium or anticonvulsants, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a third type of medication that is used to treat the depressive state of manic depression. However, manic depression patients should be careful when taking antidepressants. If not combined with another medication, antidepressants can result in a rapid change from depression to mania. In addition, antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in adolescent users.
