According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, three categories of medications are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. They are distinguished by which set of symptoms they work to manage. Many of these medication types are taken in concert and may be taken over the lifetime of a bipolar disorder patient. Medications to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be prescribed by a physician, usually a psychiatrist. In some parts of the United States, specially trained clinical psychologists or nurse practitioners can also prescribe medications to treat bipolar disorder.
Mood Stabilizers
When treating bipolar disorder, physicians often use mood stabilizers for their first trial with a newly diagnosed patient. Mood-stabilizing medications are often actually anticonvulsant medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Examples of mood-stabilizing medications are valproic acid or divalproex sodium (Depakote), lamotrigine (Lamictal) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Lithium (Eskalith or Lithobid) is not an anticonvulsant and was the first medication approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Antidepressants
Many antidepressants are often taken in conjunction with a patient's mood-stabilizing medications. They work to manage depressive symptoms and include sertraline (Zoloft), bupropion (Wellbutrin), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications are used to manage symptoms associated with bipolar disorder like delusional thinking or hallucinations. Not all patients with bipolar disorder experience psychotic symptoms, but for those who do, these medications serve to decrease their prevalence and effects. Antipsychotics include aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone (Geodon).
References
- U.S. National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition;" American Psychiatric Assocation; 2000
