Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is characterized by alterations between periods of depression and mania (elation and overexcitement). The symptoms of bipolar disorder are different from the typical ups and downs of everyday life as they are severe and disabling. Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, medications can help people with bipolar disorder to lead productive lives.
Mood-Stabilizing Medications
Mood stabilizers reduce symptoms of depression and mania or prevent mood cycles. Lithium is the most well-known mood stabilizer. Side effects of lithium include nausea, fine hand tremor and frequent urination. Other mood stabilizers were developed to prevent seizures (anticonvulsants) but were found to be effective in treating bipolar disorder as well. Depakote (valproic acid) is one such anticonvulsant used to treat bipolar disorder. Other anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers include Tegretol (carbamazepine), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Neurontin (gabapentin) and Topamax (topirmate). Side effects of the anticonvulsant medications include drowsiness, gastrointestinal difficulties and dizziness.
Atypical Antipsychotic Medications
Atypical antipsychotic medications reduce symptoms of depression and mania and are often taken with other drugs to treat bipolar disorder. The atypical antipsychotic medications are newer antipsychotics (used to treat psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions) that were found to be helpful in treating bipolar disorder as well. Atypical antipsychotics do not have the problematic side effects found in older antipsychotics (also known as "typical" or "conventional" antipsychotics). Some examples of atypical antipsychotics used to treat bipolar disorder include Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone), Abilify (aripiprazole) and Clozaril (clozapine). Some people develop side effects when they start taking atypical antipsychotics, but many side effects go away after a few days. Side effects of atypical antipsychotic medications include drowsiness, dizziness, visual disturbances and skin rashes.
Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant medications are used to treat depression. In the treatment of bipolar disorder, they are used in combination with a mood stabilizer. If taken without a mood stabilizer, an antidepressant can lead to mania or rapid cycling. Some antidepressants used in bipolar disorder treatment include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Most side effects of these antidepressant medications are often mild and go away after a few days. Some of these side effects include headache, nausea, and insomnia. Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Effexor may cause decreased sexual desire or ability as well.
References
- "PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals, 3rd Edition"; Thomson Reuters; 2007.
- "Postgraduate Medicine"; The Expert Consensus Guideline Series: Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder 2000; Gary Sachs, David Printz, David Kahn, Daniel Carpenter, and John Docherty; April 2000.
