Medications for Bipolar Disorder and their Side Effects

As a Bipolar you will have to have infinite patience, determination and a total commitment to medication.  It is the most effective way to recover from Bipolar Disorder.  The earlier medication is started the sooner you will be able to continue with your life with a fewer chances of relapses.  Not all people respond to medication alone; sometimes psychotherapy is needed.  But for a chance at full recovery medication is the only answer.     Do research  on the  medication that is prescribed; keep track of side effects, moods, and physical changes in your body.  You are ultimately in charge of Bipolar Disorder and your medication. Do not let it be in charge of you.

Medication is the most effective treatment available for Bipolar Disorder; nothing is perfect, and for most people bipolar medications work well.  For others it can be very difficult.  Side effects are the number one reason people with Bipolar Disorder stop taking their medications. And they can cause many people to give up on medications altogether. Before finding the right one or the right combination that works there is trial and error which can be frustrating. It may take a long time, but most people eventually do discover medications they can tolerate with few side effects and that can control their mood swings.

When treating Bipolar Disorder you have to  find the right drug or combination of drugs for each symptom. There are drugs for mania and psychosis, depression and anxiety, and some drugs that help with all these symptoms.  There is no strict rule a person may need only one drug, or they may need more than one. There may be no side effects , or there may be many side effects.  Finding the right combination of medications and the right doses that work for you can take months to years. For the very rare there is no complete absence of all symptoms and that is where therapy comes into play.

There are medications that are called Mood Stabilizers these include Lithium, Depakote (divalproex), Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Lamictal (lamotrigine).  Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol are antimanic drugs, while Lamictal is used for bipolar depression.  You may take multiple drugs at once, such as a combination of Lithium for bipolar mania and Lamictal for bipolar depression.

Mood stabilizers have various  possible side effects, but they are the most effective antimanic drugs , which is why most people with Bipolar I need to remain on mood stabilizers. Lithium is often prescribed and is an excellent drug when it works. Common Lithium side effects include tremors, excessive thirst. Toxicity can also lead to kidney problems, and so monitoring Lithium blood levels is needed. The most common side effects of Depakote and Tegretol are weight gain, headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, eye problems and unsteadiness.

 Lamictal side effects include shortness of breath, jerky body movements, itching and a skin rash. There are two kinds of rashes associated with Lamictal. One is benign the other is very serious. Treatment must be stopped if the second one occurs.  Lamcital does not cause weight gain and the side effects are reduced in time.

Older antipsychotics are Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Haldol (haloperidol) and Trilifon (perphenazine). These were effective but caused a  motor side effect called tardive dyskinesia. The newer antipsychotics are  Clozaril (clozapine), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone), Geodon (Ziprasidone) and Abilify (aripiprazole).

Antipsychotics are used to treat psychosis, prevent mania and sometimes treat depression. Side effects that may occur are usually rapid weight gain, especially around the stomach, lethargy, restlessness, dulled senses, tremors, impaired thinking, slow speech, shuffling the feet, and concentration problems.  Clorazil, Zyprexa and Seroquel can cause what is called metabolic syndrome, a condition that leads to possible diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The antipsychotics with the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome are Abilify and Geodon. Risperdal.

These potential side effects can be very strong, although antipsychotics medications can give a persona second chance to work and function in society. If you have psychosis and/or full blown mania antipsychotics should be given multiple trials.  The treatment is to start with low doses and then go up as needed.  Many people eventually find the right antipsychotic with few side effects.

 Antidepressants are many Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Wellbutrin (bupropion), Effexor (venlafaxine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), Celexa (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram),  These drugs are extremely effective for depression treatment in people with bipolar disorder they have a high risk of inducing mania. Antidepressants can lead to rapid cycling and severe mania in people with bipolar disorder. They can be used in conjunction with other mood stabilizers. Common antidepressant side effects include agitation, weight loss or weight gain, headache, stomach upset, sexual side effects, loss of appetite, leg-shaking, sleepiness, and suicidal tendencies.

Some of the medications used are different and are called anti anxiety drugs some are Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam). Anti anxiety medications can be addictive; but considering many people with bipolar disorder have anxiety and sleep problems, they should not be ruled out as part of treatment.  Common benzodiazepine side effects include tiredness, memory loss, trouble concentrating, excessive sleepiness and lack of coordination. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can also cause very serious effects.

Treatment with medications has one goal in mind to help the person return to their lives as with the highest ability of functioning as possible.  Medications can and do work and although the possible side effects can range from annoying to life threatening medications are truly the only option for recovery for the Bipolar patient.

Medications For Bipolar Disorder

If you have Bipolar Disorder, you will need medication.  You will probably need bipolar medication for the rest of your life.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. It's not something you can cure with willpower. Taking medication for Bipolar Disorder is just like taking medication for diabetes or heart disease.

Along with medication, psychotherapy, can be an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder. During therapy, you can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause you problems. Psychotherapy can help you understand and control any problems that hurt your ability to function well in life. It can help you  to stay on your medication.  There are different types of therapy which are used Behavioral Therapy focuses on behaviors that decrease stress.  Cognitive therapy. This type of approach involves learning to identify and modify the patterns of thinking that accompany mood shifts.  Interpersonal therapy. This involves relationships and aims to reduce strains that the illness may place upon them.  Social therapy. This helps you develop and maintain daily routines.

Doctors use a number of different types of drugs to treat bipolar disorder.  Treatment for bipolar mania may include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.   Many people who have bipolar disorder keep taking these medications for years after their last episode to stay healthy. This is   called maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder. 

A mood-stabilizing medication works on improving mood, social interactions, and behavior. Mood stabilizers are effective in the treatment and prevention of bipolar mood swings.  A mood stabilizing medication works on improving mood, social interactions, and behavior. Mood stabilizers are effective in the treatment and prevention of episodes of lows of depression and the highs of mania.

The drug therapy of choice for bipolar patients with severe mania or mixed episodes is an antipsychotic medication combined with either Lithium or the anticonvulsant Depakote.

Lithium is one of the oldest and cheapest mood-stabilizing mediations for bipolar disorder. Lithium is a  natural salt available under the generic names of lithium carbonate and lithium citrate. Findings show that lithium is effective in reducing symptoms and frequency of episodes of bipolar disorder. In addition, studies show that lithium effectively reduces the risk of suicide.  If you take lithium, you need to have regular blood levels of the drug monitored by your physician, as the medication dosage needs to be established from person to person.

Anticonvulsants offer more treatment options for those with bipolar disorder.  Anticonvulsants may be combined with lithium or with other anticonvulsants targeting different symptoms.Some commonly used anticonvulsants include Lamictal, Depakote, Tegretol, and Trileptal

All of these drugs have been tested bith Bipolar Patients and show that the benefits are dramatic when it comes to recovery from the devastating mood swings of Bipolars.  It takes time for the medication to work and there may have to be a trial and error in attempting to control the mood swings but close contact with your psychotherapist and doctor makes taking medication as simple as possible..

The importance of finding the right medication and the right doseage with the fewest side effects is easier and with the newer medications safer to help control Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, Management

Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness that at the present time has no cure.  We all suffer from ups and downs; days when we are low or feeling happy but for bipolar these feelings are disturbingly acute and recurring.  For the depressed Bipolar there sometimes seems to be no other option than to try to take their own life.  On the flip side of the coin the euphoria is so intense that they can have delusions, hallucinations and threatening life problems. 

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can endanger your job and school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt daily life. And although bipolar disorder is treatable, many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get help. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms are.  Control can only come with treatment and spotting the danger signs when in the early stages is the only way to treat it and recover.  There are the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.  Two poles whence the term bipolar.  The cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function.

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During a manic episode, a person might quit a job, spend countless money on credit cards, and feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, they are too tired to get out of bed and full of dejection and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.

The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t completely understood, but it often runs in families. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in early adulthood. The symptoms can be decieving, so many people with bipolar disorder are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. But with proper treatment and support, you can lead a qualitative life.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t get better or lead a normal life.

 Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can manage your symptoms.

 Some people alternate between episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized called hypomania. People with bipolar disorder can go for long stretches without symptoms.  The average is 10-15 episodes a lifetime.

 Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Bipolar disorder can coexist with anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure.

 Medication is the first step of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and having supportive people to assist you when needed.

Bipolar symptoms vary in different people. The symptoms pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are experience just depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood upheavals, while others show signs and symptoms only a few times over a lifetime.

In Bipolar Disorder there are: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has its own set of symptoms.

In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a manic episode often talk continiouslly, sleep very little, and are hyperactive. They may also feel all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness; called delusions of grandeur.

  In the beginning, mania feels good, but it has a tendency to get out of control. People often behave recklessly during a manic episode: spending savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments. They may also become angry, irritable, and aggressive when others don’t go along with their plans, and with no regard to other people’s opinion of their behavior. Some people can become delusional or start hearing voices.

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. In a hypomanic state  the person feels euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they are able to carry on with their day-to-day lives and they never lose touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if people with hypomania are merely in an unusually good mood.  Hypomania can cause bad decisions effecting relationships, careers, and reputations. Hypomania can often turn  into full-blown mania and be followed by a major depressive episode.

 Certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression.  Bipolar depression signs are usually  irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. People with bipolar depression also move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight.  Bipolar depression can develop into psychotic depression; with hallucinations and loss of touch with reality.  The person can experience major disability in work and social functioning.

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode are depression with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts.  The person is a high risk for suicide because of the high energy and low mood.

There are 3 different types of Bipolar Disorder:  Bipolar I Disorder; mania or a mixed episode The classic form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode.  Bipolar II Disorder hypomania and depression; the person doesn’t experience fullblown manic episodes. There are episodes of hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia; hypomania and mild depression; a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings which are less severe than fullblown mania or depression.

 Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your career to your relationships to your health. Diagnosing the problem as early as possible and getting into treatment can help prevent these complications. Seek out help if you see signs of Bipolar Disorder in yourself or someone else.

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, recurring illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom free.

There is more to treatment than medication. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.

 Medication need to be closely monitored. A psychiatrist can help you manage your symptoms, side effects of the medications and your overall mental health.  A therapist can help with leaning coping skills for living with Bipolar Disorder.  it is a lifetime commitment to making yourself healthy and finding recovery of your life.

Bipolar disorder has no single cause. It appears that certain people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder. Yet not everyone with the genetic background develops the illness.

 In order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make the right choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits have a significant impact on your moods.  With treatment there is the chance for recovery.