Bipolar Disorder

If you have Bipolar Disorder you should never try to self medicate. There is not a cure but medication can relieve the disorder. Your physician will work closely with you along with a psychologist to manage your medication. It is very important that you take the right doses of each medication that is prescribed for you. Do not try to regulate your own medication.

Lithium is the most widely used medication for this disorder. Lithium evens out your mood swings and takes about two weeks to work. It may take several months to fully control the mood swings. If you are taking lithium you must have regular blood tests so that you take the right amount. Side effects of this drug are; weakness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, increased thirst and urination or hand tremors. Adjusting of dosage by your physician can control the symptoms you have.

Anticonvulsants can be given with lithium or alone to help stabilize a person’s mood and calm hyperactivity. It takes a couple of weeks for the full value of these drugs to work. Some of anticonvulsants are depakote, tegretol, lamictal, and trileptal. Each must be monitored and work with the brain in their own way.

Side effects are dizziness, weight gain, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, rashes, and tremors but these usually get better with time. Anticonvulsants can cause liver or kidney damage so you will need to have regular blood tests. Like all medication makes sure that you talk to your doctor about taking anything with them, even aspirins.