While primary care physicians may prescribe a drug for bipolar disorder, seeking treatment from a psychiatrist is preferable. As bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme shifts of mood between mania and depression, medications for its treatment are commonly known as mood stabilizers, and treatment with mood stabilizers usually continues over years. Other medications might be added if episodes of mania or depression get more severe despite the use of mood stabilizers.

Lithium as Drug for Bipolar Disorder

Lithium is the first FDA-approved mood stabilizer and so far the most effective drug that acts to keep a balanced mood in any phase — it is useful in both high mania and depressive episodes. Lithium can lower severe manic episodes from a cycle of five days to two weeks.

Anticonvulsant Drugs     

Some bipolar patients respond better to anticonvulsants (drugs usually given to patients of epilepsy) like carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproate (Depakote). Bipolar individuals who cycle rapidly in their swings seem to respond better to carbamazepine, while valproate is effective in countering high mania. Some new anticonvulsant drugs include lamotrigine (Lamictal), gabapentin (Neurontin), and topiramate (Topamax); these can be prescribed in combination with mood stabilizers.   

Medication for Depression of Bipolar Disorder

Commonly, three kinds of medication are used as a drug for bipolar disorder in which depressive episodes are frequent. These are tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and lithium. Lithium has also been used for treating major depression, although antidepressants alone are not given to treat depression associated with bipolar disorder. Usually, these are given in combination with mood stabilizers, mostly lithium, and anticonvulsants like valproate. 

Side Effects of Bipolar Drugs

Before trying any drug for bipolar disorder, it is advisable to consult in detail with your physician as well as the psychiatrist. Common side effects of bipolar drugs include weight increase, nausea, anxiety, hair loss, tremor, dry mouth, problems in coordinated movements, and reduced sexual drive. Depakote may cause headache, double vision, dizziness, anxiety, or confusion. Possible side effects of Tegretol include dizziness, confusion, disturbed vision, perceptual distortions, memory impairment, and nausea.

Possible side effects of lithium are drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hand tremor, or increase in thirst and urination. Lithium, as a drug for bipolar disorder, may not be recommended for a person already having problems of kidney, heart, brain damage, or epilepsy. Pregnant women should be especially careful before taking lithium. On the other hand, valproate may cause hormonal changes in teenage girls and polycystic ovary syndrome in women who start taking the medication before the age of 20.

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