Medication is a very important piece of treatment for people suffering from bipolar disorder, which is a disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. The risk of suicide increases when bipolar disorder is left undiagnosed and untreated. Most mental health professionals encourage someone with this disorder to participate in some type of talk therapy such cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and family therapy as well as utilize medication treatments.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are the most common type of drug used to treat bipolar disorder. Doctors will usually prescribe a mood stabilizer first before trying other types of drugs. People with bipolar disorder often continue taking mood stabilizers for years or the rest of their lives. Most mood stabilizers, except lithium, are also anticonvulsants.
Lithium
According to the Mayo Clinic, lithium is one of the most common drugs used to treat bipolar disorder. This medication is helpful in treating manic episodes and preventing depressive and manic episodes. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that lithium was the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat bipolar disorder. Many people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder have thyroid issues and lithium can cause hyperthyroidism which can be treated with thyroid medication. People considering this medication should get their thyroid checked by their doctor first. Like most medications, lithium can cause unpleasant side effects such as weight gain, frequent urination, extreme thirst, hair loss and acne.
Valproic Acid
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, valproic acid, which was approved as a treatment for bipolar disorder by the FDA in 1995, might be a better choice in treating this disorder than lithium, especially the more complex cases of bipolar disorder with rapid cycling. It's also a good fit for people struggling with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and bipolar disorder. Valproic acid can help treat severe manic episodes and depression, because it can be given in larger doses and takes affect more quickly than lithium. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that valproic acid can have serious side effects for teenage girls and women such as increased levels of testosterone, obesity, excess body hair and interruption of menstrual cycles. It's suggested that young women taking this medication have regular checkups with their physicians.
Lamotrigine
One of the newest drugs to be approved by the FDA to treat bipolar disorder is lamotrigine. It's recommended that people starting this drug begin with a lose dose and work their way up in dosage, because one serious side effect that can occur is a rash that needs immediate medical attention. However, if someone does not suffer from this rash, the other side effects might be much more tolerable than with lithium and valproic acid.
