According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder affecting the brain. It results in unusual and extreme shifts in moods and energy levels, interfering with a person's ability to function daily. While there is no cure, medications are available to help ease the symptoms.
Lithium
Lithium, a mood stabilizer, is frequently prescribed for patients who suffer from manic episodes. Psychology Information, states that lithium is commonly used in the long-term of bipolar disorder, and helps relieve both the symptoms of mania and the depressive episodes that follow. It may take 5 to 14 days for lithium to begin working, therefore the doctor may prescribe an anti-psychotic drug in the meantime to help manage symptoms, since they take effect rapidly. In many cases, antidepressants are used in combination with lithium to ensure treatment efficacy.
Periodic blood tests are usually required when taking Lithium to ensure your dosage is correct and to minimize side effects, one of which can be liver damage. Other side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and increased thirst or urination.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
According to Psychology Information, not every patient with bipolar disorder experiences symptom relief from lithium. For these patients, carbamazepine, a seizure medication, is commonly used. It seems to be most effective in patients who experience severe, rapid cycling between episodes of mania and depression over a period of hours or days rather than months.
The most common side effects associated with this drug include drowsiness, problems with vision, disruption of memory, dizziness and nausea.
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
Valproic acid (brand name Depakote), another drug used for the treatment of seizures, is another option for patients who do not respond well to lithium. Effective in the treatment of mixed episodes, it also works well for those experiencing episodes of mania accompanied by hallucinations, delusions or both. Valproic acid is typically the first drug prescribed for patients who suffer from these specific symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Its most common side effects include headaches, dizziness, confusion, double vision and anxiety.
Aripiprazole
An antipsychotic, aripiprazole may be helpful when patients lose touch with reality while suffering from a manic or depressive episode. Although aripiprazole is usually used in combination with mood stabilizers to provide a more effective treatment, it may be used as the single form of treatment if mood stabilizers are not successful.
The most common side effects associated with this drug include headaches, insomnia, constipation, dizziness, anxiety and nausea.
Xanax
Xanax, a benzodiazepine, is prescribed to help relieve anxiety, agitation and insomnia. Xanax is addictive though, and because of this, it frequently prescribed for short-term use until a mood stabilizer or anti-psychotic begins to take effect.
Side effects you may experience with xanax include dizziness, problems concentrating, feeling tired, changes in your appetite or changes in your weight.
