Have you ever noticed a strange change in your family or friend, such as a sudden surge of happiness, a surge of energy, working for days without sleep, spending all their money, and behaving recklessly? Sometimes this can be the peak of a mental illness called "mania." To be precise, this is a state in which the mood suddenly goes from highs to lows. But don't worry, there are treatments that can help control this. Today, let's talk about the treatment for this state of mania.
What are the medications used for mania?
If you have a manic episode, you may need to start taking medication to control it quickly. Your doctor will often prescribe a medication called a "mood stabilizer." These are also called "antimanic" medications.
These medications help you control both your high and low moods and keep them at a normal level. You may need to take these medications for a long time, perhaps for the rest of your life. It's like taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure. It helps you control your condition and live a normal life.
The most commonly used medications for this are lithium , and some anti-epileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and valproate . You will need close monitoring by your doctor while taking these medications. You will also need to have regular blood tests.
Lithium - the main drug used for a long time
Lithium is the most widely studied and long-standing medication used to treat bipolar disorder. It reduces the severity of manic episodes and reduces the frequency of relapses. Studies have also shown that lithium helps reduce the risk of suicide among people with bipolar disorder.
Simply put, lithium is a drug that affects the brain and helps control your emotions, sleep, energy levels, and behavioral abnormalities.
What should you expect when taking this medicine?
It can take several weeks for lithium to fully work. Your doctor will order blood tests while you are taking this medicine because lithium can affect the function of your kidneys and thyroid gland.
Lithium works best when the levels of the drug in your body are at the same level. That's why your doctor will often tell you to drink 8-12 glasses of water a day and add salt to your food as usual. These things will help keep the lithium levels in your body stable.
The most important thing is to never change the dosage or stop taking medication without asking your doctor.
| Common side effects of lithium | Important points |
|---|---|
| Weight gain | Talk to your doctor about diet and exercise. |
| Hand tremor | This is common, but if it is severe, tell your doctor . |
| Excessive thirst and urination | This is normal, drink plenty of water. |
| Memory difficulties, drowsiness | These may decrease over time. Be careful when driving. |
| Acne or hair loss | Inform your doctor about this as well. |
| Tell your doctor immediately: | |
| If you have symptoms such as persistent diarrhea , vomiting, fever, difficulty walking, severe shaking, loss of consciousness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or a rapid heartbeat, call your doctor immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). | |
How do anticonvulsants help?
Sometimes, doctors also use medications that prevent seizures to control bipolar symptoms. These are called "anticonvulsants." Carbamazepine , lamotrigine, and valproate (Depakote) are some of these medications.
These are sometimes used with lithium, with other medications, or alone. They can be particularly helpful for people with a condition called "rapid cycling," where they alternate between periods of mania and depression more than four times a year.
These medications also work to calm hyperactivity in the brain. Sometimes, blood tests are required when taking these medications.
Very important: Pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid taking certain medications, such as valproate (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol), because they can cause birth defects in the baby. Therefore, if you are planning to become pregnant or find out you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
Antipsychotic drugs
Antipsychotic drugs are a type of medication that was previously given short-term to control severe symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions during mania.
But these days, these newer antipsychotic drugs are used in combination with mood stabilizers to quickly control symptoms and prevent relapse. They work by controlling the activity of chemicals in the brain called "neurotransmitters" such as dopamine and serotonin .
These medications help control the reckless, impulsive behaviors associated with mania and help you start thinking normally within about a week.
| Side effects of antipsychotic drugs |
|---|
| - Blurred vision |
| - Dry mouth |
| - Drowsiness |
| - Muscle stiffness or tremors |
| - Weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels (this is a very important side effect) |
Some of the newer antipsychotic medications can cause weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels . So, your doctor will check your risk of heart disease and diabetes before starting this medication.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
You may have heard of "shock treatment." That's what the medical term for it is ECT . It's not as scary as it looks in the movies. ECT is a very safe, controlled treatment that is given under full anesthesia (with medication to put you to sleep) .
This treatment is usually done,
- For those with very severe symptoms
- For those who do not respond well to medications
- For those who are unable to care for themselves, or who have excessive thoughts of suicide
- Drug use during pregnancy is risky for those
ECT is a very effective treatment that can quickly relieve the symptoms of mania or severe depression. You will not feel anything during this treatment. You may feel a little confused and have a headache when you wake up, but this will go away after a while.
Remember, bipolar is not your fault or a weakness. It is a treatable condition caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar mania is a condition that can be well controlled with treatment, so don't panic.
- It is very important to take the medications prescribed by your doctor at the right time and in the right dosage.
- Do not stop taking medication or change the dosage without consulting your doctor for any reason. Doing so may make your symptoms worse.
- If you experience any side effects from your medication, talk to your doctor about it. He or she will be able to provide you with the most appropriate solution.
- It is essential to attend clinics on the scheduled dates and undergo the necessary tests.
- The support and understanding of family and friends is a great strength in controlling this disease.
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