Bipolar Disorder Medication

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder it is very important to be taking the right medication. For instance, if antidepressants are used without a mood stabilizer, antidepressants could trigger mania. This is why bipolar disorder is treated with a mood-stabilizing medication such as valproic acid, lithium, and carbamazepine. These medications used together treat both manic and depressive phases. They will also prevent future symptoms.

We all know that medications have side affects, but usually only last for a few days. Patients that have Bipolar I often use the medication Abilify. Some adverse events of this drug are the feeling of restlessness, constipation, sleepiness, tremor, and involuntary movements, but this was only reported by 5% of patients using Abilify. The most common side effects are headache, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, and an upset stomach.

Zyprexa is another medication taken for bipolar, but again there are side affects. The most common side affects for Zyprexa are similar to Abilify, but there are a couple different ones like weakness, increased appetite, weight gain, and dry mouth. It does have some serious side effects such as strokes and "mini-strokes," high blood sugar, low blood pressure, and body temperature problems. It is not recommended for elderly people with dementia.

Another important factor is that staying on your medication avoids relapses. Some people stop taking their medication, because they feel better and no longer need the medication or they miss the manic highs. Side affects and cost are other reasons people stop taking their medication. Please talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.