Although medication can effectively treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder, many bipolar medications may cause side effects. Many of these side effects may be temporary and can diminish or disappear as the body adjusts to the medication, but some side effects may be serious. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of any bipolar medication before use.
Lithium
Lithium is a highly effective bipolar medication that is particularly effective at treating the mania of bipolar disorder. Side effects of lithium may include tremors, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, vertigo, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, thyroid problems, excessive thirst, increased urination and memory or concentration problems, according to HelpGuide.com. People taking lithium will need to have periodic blood testing to ensure the dosage is appropriate, as a dosage that is too high may be toxic.
Divalproex
Divalproex, also called valproic acid or valproate, is typically one of the first bipolar medications prescribed for mixed mania, mania involving delusions or hallucinations or rapid cycling and may be a good alternative for people with problems with taking lithium. Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, tremor and nausea, according to HelpGuide.org.
Carbamzepine
Carbamazepine is an effective bipolar medication for both euphoric and mixed mania. Side effects frequently include sedation and gastrointestinal issues, according to HealthyPlace.com, but Drugs.com also lists dizziness, feeling unsteady, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, headaches, ringing in ears, joint or muscle pains, leg cramps, swollen tongue or dry mouth as additional side effects that may occur when taking carbamazepine. In addition to these common side effects, people taking carbamzepine run the risk of liver inflammation and bone marrow suppression, so periodic blood testing is required when taking this drug. Talk to your doctor if you plan to take any other medications while taking carbamazepine because it has many complicated interactions with other drugs, according to HealthyPlace.com.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine may be particularly helpful for the depression phase of bipolar disorder. The most serious side effect is that three out of every 1,000 people taking the medication will develop a serious rash, but HealthyPlace.com states the risk of rash may be lowered by slowly reducing the dosage. Drugs.com lists potential side effects of lamotrigine as mild nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, lack of coordination, weight loss, stuffy nose and sleep problems.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is sometimes prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and appears to be useful in reducing anxiety. It does not usually interact negatively with other medications, so it may be used in combination with other medications for treatment, according to HealthyPlace.com. Side effects of gabapentin may include weakness, fatigue, lack of coordination, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, stuffy nose, sore throat, sleep problems, acne and mild rash, according to Drugs.com.
Topiramate
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication that may also be helpful to treat mania. HealthyPlace.com recommends people with kidney stones should avoid this medication. Common side effects of topiramate include memory problems, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, cognitive slowing, problems with speech or balance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, weight loss and numbness or tingling, according to Drugs.com.
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