Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, causes extreme mood swings in the form of manic episodes (extremely excited moods) alternating with depressive episodes (hopeless, sad moods). When depression and mania occur together, it's called a mixed state. Bipolar disorder treatment generally includes a combination of therapy and medication. Bipolar disorder beginning in childhood or adolescence is referred to as early-onset bipolar. The symptoms for early-onset bipolar tend to be more severe than the symptoms in adult-onset bipolar. Additionally, the changes from depression to mania seem to be more frequent in children and teenagers than in adults.
Depakote
Originally developed as an anti-convulsant, Depakote (valprocic acid, divalproex sodium) stabilizes moods in children diagnosed with bipolar, especially children who cycle rapidly between states of mania and depression. Depakote, along with other anti-convulsant medications, carries an FDA warning which states that it may increase behaviors and thoughts relating to suicide. Close monitoring is recommended for patients taking Depakote and other anti-convulsants.
Lamictal
Lamictal (lamotrigine) treats both the manic and the depressive phases of bipolar disorder, even though it was originally developed to treat epilepsy. Lamictal, considered a newer anti-convulsant medication, is not usually prescribed for children under the age of 15.
Tegretol
Tegretol (carbamazepine), a mood stabilizer, works as both an anti-manic and an anti-aggressive medication. It is often prescribed to treat rage attacks in bipolar patients. Because it is an anti-convulsant, it carries a warning from the FDA regarding potential suicidal thoughts.
Lithium
Long-used to treat bipolar in adults, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, lithium carbonate) also works for some children. Lithium calms mania and prevents mood cycling. A naturally occurring salt, lithium is sometimes used alone or in conjunction with another mood-stabilizing medication.
Neruontin
As a newer anti-convulsant drug, less information is available about Neurontin. However, it appears to have fewer side effects than many of the older drugs of its type. At the same time, its newness means there is less information available about its long-term side effects and effectiveness.
Topomax
When children or adolescents do not respond to Tegretal or Depakote, Topomax (topiramate) may be prescribed. This anti-convulsant medication works to control rapid-cycling and mixed bipolar states.
