Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by extremes in your mood. You may be depressed one day and manic the next. During manic episodes, you may participate in such risky behavior as sexual promiscuity or extravagant shopping sprees. Bipolar disease usually begins when you are between the ages of 15 to 25, says MedlinePlus. If you or someone you know suffers from bipolar disease, there are many prescription medications available to treat it.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are frequently prescribed to treat bipolar disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications help decrease the frequency of your mood swings. For example, lithium belongs to this category of medications and is considered the first treatment of choice for bipolar disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some side effects of mood stabilizers include increased urination, blackouts, slurred speech, visual problems and swelling of your face, lips, throat or extremities.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine or paroxetine also treat bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health warns that you should not take an antidepressant alone because this can alter your mood from depression to mania too fast. Typically, antidepressant medications are given in conjunction with other psychiatric medications. The Mayo Clinic states that antidepressant use is controversial when it comes to treating bipolar disease. Some doctors opt not to use antidepressants because of its harsh effects. Common side effects of antidepressant use include headaches, drowsiness, agitation and nausea, states the National Institute on Mental Health.
Anticonvulsants
Anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid or lamotrigine also manage bipolar disorder. Like mood stabilizers, these medications also curb your mood swings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, side effects of anticonvulsants include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and poor appetite.
Other Medications
Benzodiazepines (medications that treat anxiety) and atypical antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine treat bipolar disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Benzodiazepines may cause headaches, nightmares or blurred vision, warns the National Institute on Mental Health. Side effects of atypical antipsychotics include involuntary movements called tardive dyskinesias.
