Medication should be the first line of treatment for any child with bipolar disorder, according to the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Disorder. Because of a lack of controlled studies, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has only approved a few medications specifically for use in children. Family members should prepare for a trial-and-error period that can last months while doctors work to find the best medication or combination of medications that work best for their child.
Mood Stabilizers
Several mood stabilizers are used to treat children who are experiencing manic or depressive episodes. Lithium, a natural salt, has been used for years to prevent mood shifts. Many children respond well to lithium, according to Healthyplace.org.
Tegretol is often prescribed when patients are experiencing frequent rage episodes, Anticonvulsant medications such as Tiagabine, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine and Valproate, are reported to be effective in controlling what is known as "rapid cycling," or quick shifts in extreme moods, although some parents report that Gabapenting induces manic symptoms in young children. Lamictal is not recommended for use in children younger than the age of 6, Healthyplace.org reports, because of a rare but severe side effect.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety medications such as Klonopin, Xanax, Buspar and Ativan have been successful in reducing anxiety by reducing the amount of agitation and "over-activity" in brain arousal systems, according to Healthyplace.org. They also help patients to sleep better, a must for children with bipolar disorder. Anti-anxiety meds are commonly coupled with mood stabilizers and even anti-psychotic drugs when the mania is considered acute or severe.
Anti-psychotic Medications
Anti-psychotic medications including Risperdal, Zyprexa, Abilify and Seroquel, are prescribed by psychiatrists to treat manic states. In particular, Healthyplace.com notes, these medications are used when children present with delusions or hallucinations and when the mania must be contained immediately to ensure the safety of those around.
