According to the Mayo Clinic, bipolar disorder is a potentially serious mental health issue characterized by severe mood swings and sometimes dangerous behavior. Also called manic depression, it is caused by chemical imbalances within the brain that can lead sufferers to experience both depressive and manic episodes. While the disorder can be treated with pharmaceuticals, specifically mood-stabilizing medications, there are some drug families that can exacerbate the symptoms of manic depression.
Antidepressants
Taking either tricyclic or SSRI antidepressant drugs without a supplemental mood-stabilizing medication can pose potent dangers to people suffering from bipolar disorder, as they have the potential to trigger or exaggerate manic episodes in these individuals. Conversely, these drugs also can destabilize moods, contributing to deepening depression. Mood cycling between these two behavioral extremes potentially can be accelerated when antidepressants are given to bipolar patients. Because of these known issues, it is important to closely monitor your mood and behavior when initially prescribed any sort of antidepressant medication. If your symptoms worsen, talk to your prescribing physician as soon as possible.
Corticosteroids
The June 2006 issue of "The Journal of Family Practice" reports corticosteroid-induced mania is a common psychiatric effect for bipolar patients. Corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone, often are prescribed for pulmonary issues or as a means of reducing inflammation in the body. However, these medications serve to activate the sympathetic nervous system, releasing norepinephrine, which can cause the body to enter its "fight or flight" condition.
Beta-Agonists
Beta-agonist medications meant to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema stimulate beta-receptors in the sympathetic nervous system and can affect bipolar patients in the much the same manner as steroids do. If you know you suffer from a mood disorder like manic depression, make sure you talk to your doctor about any treatments that potentially involve the use of steroids or beta-agonist drugs.
Dopamine Agonists
Yet another drug family that has the potential to trigger manic episodes in people suffering from bipolar disorder are the dopamine agonists. These are used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome and certain sexual dysfunctions, especially those resulting from antidepressant use. However, the release of additional dopamine in the body can cause severe side effects in bipolar individuals, including pathological or addictive behaviors.
