Bipolar Medications

Bipolar disorder is a real medical illness. Finding the right medication to treat this illness is key. Talking openly with your doctor is most important in the process of finding the medication right for you. Be sure your doctor and pharmacist know all medications you are taking, as this will prevent negative reactions from other drugs. When starting the process of finding the best medication for you, keep a journal of any and all the medications and how you tolerated them.

There are 3 types of medication that are used to control symptoms of bipolar disorder. They are mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics. There are other medications that may be prescribed by the doctor which help with insomnia and anxiety. Mood stabilizers are psychiatric medications used to suppress swings between mania and depression in bipolar disorder. Antidepressants alleviate symptoms of depression. Antipsychotics have a profound effect with patients with schizophrenia and acute mania. These drugs help individuals be less agitated, restless, aggressive and impulsive, without becoming greatly sedated.

All medications will have some side affects. Many will fade in a few weeks of treatment. If you find the side affects to objectionable talked to your doctor. Unwanted symptoms may require a change in dosage or a different medication. It is also important to take your medications at the same time everyday and at the appropriate time of day. This is important to know your medication and how it works to help you. This is an illness that never goes away, and you may need to be on medication for the rest of your life. At different times in your life during depression of mania, you may need other medications to help with the symptoms.