At one time there was just one medication for Bipolar Disorder and it either worked well or it didn.t. Today there are several kinds of medication but the challenge still remains to find the right medication for the right person. It can be tricky getting just the right medication and dosage down pat but it is worth it in the long run.

Lithium

Lithium remains the oldest and most prescribed medication for Bipolar Disorder. It is mostly used to reduce the symptoms of mania. However, can be used to relieve depression in combination with anti depressants. Lithium has been shown to effectively reduce suicide risk, and it also reduces the frequency of manic episodes. It is effective for long-term use even between episodes. It is not known how lithium works on the brain and spinal chord, which is the nervous system, but it even outs moods and so sufferers has more control over their mood and more control over their lives.

Side effects from lithium

Roughly 75 percent of patients will have side affects from using this drug. Sometimes just tweaking the dosage of the drug will reduce the side affects. The side effects associated with lithium use are: hand tremors, increased thirst and urination, vomiting and nausea, poor concentration, loss of memory, gain in weight, hair loss, acne, drowsiness and thyroid problems. You must tell your doctor if you have any serious conditions such as kidney problems, heart problems, epilepsy, allergies and so on. If you experience any persistent side affects, you must notify your doctor immediately especially if they are fever, rapid heartbeat, slurred speech and confusion. Actually always inform your doctor about any side effects that way he can steadily monitor your progress on your medication.

Lithium is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding or for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects.

Anticonvulsant medication

This medication used to treat seizures is now used for Bipolar Disorder as well. Anticonvulsants can treat mania and some of them are effective in treating depression. Anticonvulsants will calm down brain activity, which makes them effective for disorders such as epilepsy, migraines and some other mental illnesses. They are prescribed for people who have four or more episodes of mania and depression (rapid cycling) within the same year.

Anticonvulsants include: divalproex, valproic, and valproate sodium, carbamazine, which is sold as tegretol, and oxcarbazine. The side effects are less than lithuim and include: weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, rash, nausea and tremors. Side effects will vary with the drug and the long term side effects will also vary. Pregnant women should not take anticonvulsants for bipolar disorder. Anticonvulsants can contribute to liver problems after long term use. Anticonvulsants can also contribute to a bad reaction when taken with other drugs such as aspirn or even some herbal remedies so it is important to advise your doctor about any herbal remedy or other drugs you are taking even if they are over the counter.

Antipsychotic medication

Antipsychotic medicaton will be used to relieve the symptoms of hallucinations and delusions. They are also effective sedatives to control anxiety or agitation. They are sometimes used in conjunction with mood stabilizers until the stabilizers begin to kick in and some of these drugs lessen the effects of depression. Antipsychotic drugs help balance the neurotransmitters in the brain which are responsible for moods. Some of the side effects from the use of antipsychotic drugs are rapid weight gain, risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dry mouth, blurred vision, facial tics, drowsiness, muscle spasms or tremors.

Calcium Channel Blockers

These drugs are sometimes used but have not been proven to be that effective for Bipolar Disorder.

Benzodiazepines

These drugs may be used to control mania symptoms until the mood stablizers can take effect.

Antidepressants may be used especially for treating depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy

Also called electric shock therapy is used to control the mania symptoms such as hallucinations. It is performed by having an electrical current run through the scalp of the brain. This is done through the used of ECG and it is usually the last treatment for individuals who are not responding to other forms of treatment for mania. It is also not as bad as it sounds, nothing like what you see in the movies.

Related Articles

• Bipolar Medication
• Bipolar Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
• Bipolar Manic Depression . Understanding And Educating Yourself About This Condition
• bipolar drugs
• Bipolar Depression
• Bipolar Support

In Bipolar Disorder. You can leave a response, or trackback from your site.