If you have bipolar disorder, you may sometimes see yourself and the world a little distorted. It's like looking through two pairs of dusty glasses. But the right medication can help you wipe those glasses clean and see everything clearly again. While these medications may not completely cure your condition, they are essential to keeping your mood balanced and allowing you to do the things you want and enjoy, so you can live a normal life.
What is the best medicine for me?
Doctors use a variety of medications to treat bipolar disorder. Some medications help control mania, while others help control depression. You may need to take just one medication, or you may need to take a combination of medications.
The best medicine is the one that works best for you. Therefore, it's important to talk to your doctor about which medicine will help you the most.
Even though it has been a long time since your last manic or depressive episode, you may need to continue taking this medication, perhaps for years. This is called maintenance therapy . This is to prevent symptoms from coming back.
What are mood stabilizer medications?
Simply put, mood stabilizers are a class of medications that treat and prevent both mania and depression, and can help reduce the disruption your mood can cause to your work, school, or social relationships.
The table below lists some of the most commonly used mood stabilizers.
| Generic name of the drug | Commonly known brand names |
|---|---|
| Lithium | Lithium Carbonate |
| Valproic acid / Divalproex sodium | Depakene, Depakote |
| Carbamazepine | Tegretol, Carbatrol |
| Lamotrigine | Lamictal |
Some of these drugs, for example `Carbamazepine` and `Valproic acid`, are also anticonvulsants that are used to treat seizures . However, not all of these drugs work the same way. Drugs like `Lithium` are better at treating mania, while drugs like `Lamotrigine` may be more helpful for depression.
When you hear the name "mood stabilizer," don't assume that your mood will stay the same throughout the day. These medications are mainly used to control high and low moods that last for days or weeks.
Other medications that help control mood
Antipsychotic medications are also commonly used in bipolar treatment plans. These can be used alone or with mood stabilizers to control symptoms of mania.
Nowadays, doctors most often recommend newer generation antipsychotics .
| Newer Antipsychotics |
|---|
| Aripiprazole (Abilify) |
| Olanzapine (Zyprexa) |
| Quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel) |
| Risperidone (Risperdal) |
| Ziprasidone (Geodon) |
| Lurasidone (Latuda) |
Special medications for bipolar depression
Doctors usually start bipolar treatment with a mood stabilizer like lithium. However, there are medications specifically approved for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Some of these include quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel), lurasidone (Latuda), and a combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine called Symbyax.
Some people can develop a manic episode when taking antidepressants. Because of this risk, your doctor will monitor you closely if you are prescribed such a medication.
Is this medicine right for me? Keep these things in mind when using the medicine
A doctor cannot tell you right away how well a particular medication will work for you. You may need to try several medications and different doses to find the right medication and dose for you. This can take some time.
Even if this feels a little overwhelming, don't give up. If you're patient, you and your doctor will be able to find the treatment that's right for you.
Follow these instructions when using the medicine:
- Take your medicine at the same time every day. It's less likely to forget if you make it a habit to take your medicine with something you do every day, like brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, or going to bed at night. It's also a great help to use a pillbox where you can organize your medicine by day of the week.
- Ask your doctor about the best time to take your medicine . Some medicines are best taken in the morning, some at night. Some medicines should be taken before or after meals.
- Know exactly what to do if you forget to take a dose of medicine. Be sure to ask your doctor about this. Never double the dose of medicine without asking your doctor.
What are the side effects of bipolar medication?
Like any medication, bipolar medications can cause some side effects. These vary depending on the type of medication you are taking. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Hair loss
- Sexual problems
- Weight gain
- Effects on the kidneys or liver
- Stomach upset and diarrhea
- Skin reaction
Some medications can affect your liver function, white blood cell or platelet count. Therefore, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check that you are healthy.
For example, the drug ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause a rare but serious skin reaction called DRESS syndrome. If you experience this type of severe skin reaction, see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.
Most side effects go away within a few weeks of starting treatment. But if you continue to have problems, see your doctor. Don't feel like you have to live with the side effects. Your doctor may be able to change your dose, give you a different medicine to manage the side effects, or switch you to a different medicine altogether.
Don't stop treatment midway!
Medications for bipolar disorder are very powerful. Therefore, it is extremely important to take them exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval. This can be dangerous.
When you feel better, you may feel like stopping your medication. But if your doctor doesn't agree, that's not a good idea. Maintenance treatment is essential to prevent symptoms from returning.
The fact that you are feeling better now means that your medication is working properly. Therefore, do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
Take-Home Message
- Medication is essential to control bipolar disorder.
- It may take some time to find the right medication for you, so be patient and work with your doctor.
- Never stop taking your medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- Ask your doctor in advance what to do if you forget to take a dose of medicine.
- Don't be afraid of side effects, talk openly with your doctor about them. There are solutions for them.
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