Bipolar depressive disorder means the person feels depressed all of the time. Rarely does the person have fits of mania, despite common belief. Most people who suffer with the disorder feel more depressed than energetic. Experts at Harvard Medical School believe depression is the primary state of mind for those diagnosed as bipolar. Many people who suffer bipolar disorder go years without an episode of mania, making the diagnosis difficult, especially in relationship to mood swings. People may suffer depression every day without knowing why until they consult a psychiatrist. Some people also feel anxious and sad at the same time, also making it difficult for a diagnosis to be made and for treatment to begin.
Lithium
Lithobid (generic name lithium) is a mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar depression. Lithium is considered one of the most effective drugs used in the treatment of bipolar depressive disorder. It is geared for use during the initial phase of the disorder (mania) and is used along with mania prevention as well as acute and depression prevention.
Divalproex Sodium
Depakote (generic name divalproex sodium) is a mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar depression. Depakote treats bipolar depressive disorder as effectively as lithium and seems to stabilize the mania more effectively. Depakote also is effective in many patients who have a history of chemical abuse. It can be used in conjunction with lithium to promote a sense of well being and mood stabilization.
Gabapentin
Neurontin (generic name gabapentin) also is a mood stabilizer used in treatment. Neurontin is a well-tolerated drug and the dosage can be adjusted rapidly. The side effects, which may include vomiting and weight gain, are much less severe than with lithium and Depakote. This medication is used for the anxiety that occurs with bipolar.
Carbamazepine
Tegretol (generic name carbamazepine) also is a mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar depression. According to McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web, Tegretol has shown in studies to be effective in the treatment of both mania and depression, and can be used for either mania or depression alone. Tegretol also has shown to be effective as much as 60 percent in the stabilization of bipolar depressive disorder.
Lamotrigine
Another mood stabilizer used for bipolar patients is Lamictal (generic name lamotrigine. It has been shown to be effective in both mania and depressive treatment. It can be used continually without the need of added antidepressants. Patients who do suffer mania are treated with this drug due to its response to acute mania and the stabilization of the bipolar disorder.
