Bipolar Medication

There are three groups of medications typically used to treat bipolar disorder. They are tricyclics such as Adapin or Pamelor, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Nardil or Parnate, and Lithium. However, in recent years, physicians have also been using anticonvulsants in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. While each of these groups of medications helps in the management of Bipolar Disorder, they do not cure the disorder, they only manage the symptoms.

Tricyclics are one of the medications used for treating some forms of recurring, major depression. These medications, like all used for mental health issues, need to be constantly monitored and adjusted to fit the patient's need. MAOI's are also used in the treating of depression. However, due to the interactions with several other medications and over the counter remedies, these are typically only used when tricyclics are not effective.

Lithium is a common salt that is considered by some to be the only true mood-stabilizer. Lithium and Clozaril are the only drugs proven effective against suicide. While each of these medications is designed to stabilize the rapid cycling between the two extremes of mania and depression, there is very often a lengthy adjustment period for the patient. Due to some of the side effects that can result, it can sometimes take months to adjust the medications so that the patient can function in a normal manner.

Sometimes medications are not enough to enable the patient to lead a normal life. Often medications are combined with various therapies; group discussion, individualized discussion, and now also Electro convulsive therapy (ECT) to achieve mood stabilization. While each of these medications and treatments have positive and negative effects, it ultimately it depends on the patient and their doctor to be able to work together in the best treatment of Bipolar Disorder.