Bipolar disorder is marked by periods of extreme low mood and extreme high mood that may last weeks or months each before swinging to the opposite. There are a number of classifications of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers such as lithium, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic medicines. Each of these classes may produce side effects.
Mood Stabilizer Side Effects
Generic lithium is the most common form of mood stabilization drug used for bipolar disorder treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious side effects that may be induced in your body when taking lithium include loss of your hair, confusion, difficulty seeing properly, an irregular pulse, memory difficulties, headaches, breathing difficulties and gaining weight. Lithium also has been reported to cause depression, unusual excitement and the sensation of noises in your ears. An overdose may blur your vision, cause seizures or make you vomit.
Atypical Antipsychotic Side Effects
Atypical antipsychotic medications include Risperdal, the brand name of risperidone; and Zyprexa, the brand name of olanzapine. Serious side effects from these types of drugs may include anxiety, swallowing difficulties, restlessness, slurring of speech, a facial expression that appears like a mask, inability to control your own balance, the inability to stop moving, pain in the chest and convulsions. Other serious side effects include depression and convulsions. Still others may include jerking motions of your facial and head area, rapid weight gain, trembling in the muscles and drooling.
Anti-Seizure Drug Side Effects
Lamotrigine, divalproex and valproic acid are three types of anti-seizure medications that have been prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. They can help prevent rapidly changing mood swings. Side effects may include seizures, chills, fever, depression, mental confusion, diplopia (double vision), unsteadiness, loss of memory, lymph node swelling, bruising and constipation.
Antidepressant Side Effects
Brand-name antidepressants such as Prozac and Wellbutrin also may be prescribed by your physician to treat bipolar disorder. Wellbutrin, known generically as bupropion, may cause agitation and anxiety, out-of-control actions, aggressiveness, irritability, nervousness, impulsiveness, attacks or assaults upon other people and tachycardia, which is an increase in the heart rate. Prozac, known generically as fluoxetine, may cause excessive hunger, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, concentration problems and seizures.
Member Comments