Bipolar disorder is also sometimes called manic-depressive illness. People affected by this mental illness experience manic and depressive periods. During manic periods, or mania, they may experience very high levels of energy, giddiness or irritability. They may seem as though they are "high." During depressive episodes, people may experience depression, sadness and hopelessness. Most people with bipolar disorder can benefit from a combination of psychological counseling and medications.
Lithium
Lithium is a drug that affects the central nervous system, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is used to treat the manic episodes that occur with bipolar disorder and also to reduce their frequency and severity. This drug should not be used by women who are or who could become pregnant. Dehydration from dieting, vomiting or diarrhea, being overheated or sweating can cause serious side effects. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are in a situation that may cause dehydration. Side effects that may occur while using lithium include fainting, confusion, heart palpitations, muscle stiffness and tiredness or weakness. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine, brand name Tegretol, is an anti-seizure medication that can also be prescribed to bipolar patients. The patients who seem to respond the best to carbamazepine, according to PsychologyInfo.com, are those who cycle quickly from manic to depressive episodes. Mild side effects include drowsiness, nausea, confusion, dizziness, vision disturbances and impaired memory. Another mild side effect is a temporary lowering of the number of white blood cells. This can lead to damage to bone marrow, which is a severe side effect, so white blood cell counts should be monitored while the patient is on this drug. Another side effect is a potentially severe rash.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is another anticonvulsant medication that is used to reduce the frequency of manic and depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder. According to MedLine Plus, this medication should be prescribed at first in very small doses and then gradually increased. If you are switching from another medication to lamotrigine, the other medication will be gradually decreased while the lamotrigine is gradually increased. It is important that the directions are followed precisely. Side effects from lamotrigene include dizziness, drowsiness, ear problems, cough, runny nose and stomach pain. A severe rash is also possible with this medication and is more common in children and in patients who do not gradually increase their dosages. If you have to stop taking this drug, do not start it again without medical advice and supervision, as this may also raise the risk of side effects.
