Originally known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme highs and lows in your moods. The manic phase may make you feel very good, energized and happy. The depressive phase may be a crash from the manic phase in which your mood shifts from euphoria to dysphoria, and you feel empty and sad. It is not a mental illness that can be cured, but there are many types of medications that can help balance you.
Lithium
Lithium is one of the more common medications prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is sold in the United States as Eskalith and Lithobid. The Mayo Clinic reports that while researchers do not know exactly how lithium works, it appears to help level the manic phases of the disorder. It is administered as a pill, solution, capsule or syrup. The most common side effects of lithium include tremors in the hands, nausea and discomfort that is generalized. These are temporary and most often go away on their own as you continue lithium treatment.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed most often for anxiety disorders. They are marketed in the U.S. with such brand names as Xanax, Librium, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin. While these types of medications may help to level you and aid in your sleep, they also can be addictive with long-term use. Side effects may include mental confusion and depression.
Anticonvulsants and Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants are medications generally used to prevent seizures of the type often associated with epilepsy. They also can stabilize your moods, which is why they may be prescribed for bipolar disorder. Anticonvulsants are sold as Saphris, Lamictal, Depakote and Depakene in the U.S. and may produce such side effects as problems with your digestion, gaining weight and tremors. Antidepressants most often are used to control mental depression and can work to lessen the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. The Mayo Clinic states antidepressants may heighten the manic phase, but this can be controlled by taking these drugs with mood stabilizers. The most common side effects of antidepressants are a reduced interest in sex, anxiety and unusual dreams.
Symbyax
Symbyax is a combination of fluoxetine and olanzapine. It combines the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant commonly sold as Prozac with the antipsychotic medication marketed as Zyprexa. This both alleviates the depression of bipolar disease with Prozac and helps level the manic phase with Zyprexa. Common side effects may include reduced sexual desire, weight gain, appetite increases and drowsiness and fatigue.
