Bipolar disorder is a mental condition in which a person experiences fluctuations in mood. Medline Plus says that these individuals can suffer periods of mania and depression. Symptoms of the manic phase in bipolar disorder include irritation, agitation, hyperactivity and racing thoughts. Symptoms of its depressive phase include trouble concentrating, sadness and withdrawal. Fortunately, bipolar disorder can effectively be treated with the use of drugs.
Lithium
Lithium, commonly sold as Eskalith or Lithobid, treats the manic episodes involved in bipolar disorder. This medication works to affect the amount of sodium that enters the muscles and nerves.
Drugs.com indicates that lithium's less concerning side effects include hand tremors, a lack of coordination, weakness and itching of the skin. This drug can also lead to vomiting, nausea, thinning of the hair and stomach pain. Notify a doctor when lithium's common effects last for more than seven days.
Lithium's serious effects include hallucinations, lightheadedness, discoloration of the feet or toes, muscle stiffness and seizures. This drug can also lead to fainting, a slow heartbeat, restlessness and eye pain. Phone a doctor immediately when lithium leads to these effects.
A change in lithium's dose may be needed when suffering from heart or kidney disease, an underactive thyroid or dehydration.
Lithium is an extended-release tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole, commonly sold as Abilify, is an antipsychotic medication used to manage the manic phase of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Drugs.com says that this medication works to alter the way chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain work.
Aripiprazole's less concerning side effects include constipation, stomach problems, anxiety, a headache, weakness and trouble swallowing. This medication can also lead to anxiety, a headache and trouble swallowing. Notify a doctor when ariprazole's less serious effects remain for more than a week.
Ariprazole's serious effects include a fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, white patches on the inside of the throat and yellowing of the skin or eyes. This medication can also lead to a headache, confusion, numbness or tingling and decreased urination. Notify a physician if aripiprazole's serious effects develop.
A decrease in aripiprazole's dose may be necessary when suffering from such medications as a heart attack, stroke, kidney or liver disease, trouble swallowing, seizures or epilepsy.
This medication is a liquid or tablet that should be taken daily or as indicated.
Valproic Acid
Valproic acid, commonly sold as Divalproex sodium, is yet another drug used to manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. This medication is an anticonvulsant drug that works to increase certain chemicals in the brain, says Medline Plus.
Valproic acid's less concerning side effects include back pain, agitation, double or blurry vision, hair loss, a sore throat, weight changes and diarrhea. This medication can also lead to memory loss, ringing in the ears, heartburn and drowsiness. Notify a physician when valproic acid's less serious effects remain for more than a week.
Valproic acid's serious side effects include itching, hives, depression, trouble breathing or swallowing and bleeding or bruising. This medication can also lead to suicidal thoughts and a rash. Notify a doctor when this medication leads to these side effects.
A change in valproic acid's dose may be necessary when taking such medications as meropenem, clonazepam, ethosuximide and felbamate.
Valproic acid is available as a capsule, tablet or liquid. Take this daily or as prescribed.
