Patients with bipolar disorder cycle between mood extremes--- extreme lows (depression) and highs (mania). Medication is used to minimize mood swings, the severity of symptoms and help patients maintain a normal mood. Lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics are often prescribed; the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) warns that antidepressants should not be used, as they can cause a rapid mood shift from depression to mania. Patients who are worried about the side effects from their medications should keep a journal tracking them; this will let the doctor know if they are severe enough to change dosage or medication.
Lithium
Helpguide.org states that lithium is a mood stabilizer and the first approved medication for bipolar depression. Lithium treats the symptoms of mania, but it can also manage depression symptoms when combined with another medication. Most of the side effects of lithium are gastrointestinal, such as diarrhea, stomach pain and increased urination. Other side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, tremor, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and excessive thirst. In some cases, the patient may have memory and concentration problems, or thyroid problems. The NAMI notes that 30 percent of bipolar disorder patients cannot tolerate lithium.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants, like valproic acid, topiramate, lamotrigine and carbamazepine, are used as mood stabilizers; these medications are prescribed when lithium is not effective. Side effects from these medications include drowsiness, tremors, weight gain, diarrhea, dizziness and nausea. Patients who take lamotrigine may also experience a skin rash.
Antipsychotics
Another medication option for bipolar disorder is antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ariprazole, ziprasidone and clozapine. Antipsychotics have side effects similar to other bipolar disorder medications, like drowsiness and weight gain. The patient may also experience constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and sexual dysfunction. Many of these side effects are temporary, and will go away once the body has adjusted to the medication.
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