Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental illness that causes unpredictable shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance and even suicide. Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
Most people with bipolar disorder—even those with the most severe forms—can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended and almost always indicated. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the disorder.
Bi polar Disorder Medication and Treatment
In most cases, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is continuous rather than on and off. Even when there are no breaks in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to your doctor. The doctor may be able to prevent a full-blown episode by making adjustments to the treatment plan or medication. Working closely with the doctor and communicating openly about treatment concerns and options can make a difference in treatment effectiveness.
Bipolar Medications
Medications for bipolar disorder are prescribed by psychiatrists (medical doctors with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders). It is possible for primary care physicians to prescribe these medications but you should see a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder treatment. There are several medications on the market known as "mood stabilizers" which are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder. The treatment plans that include mood stabilizers can be used for a long time, even months or years. Doctors can add other medications, for shorter periods, to treat acute episodes of mania or depression that break through the regular medication and treatment.
Lithium was the first mood-stabilizing medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mania. It is very effective in controlling mania and preventing the recurrence of both types of bipolar episodes.
Anticonvulsant medications (valproate or carbamazepine) are a type of mood-stabilizer useful for tough bipolar cases. Valproate (FDA-approved in 1995) is a mania treatment.
Newer types of anticonvulsant medications (lamotrigine, gabapentin, and topiramate) are undergoing trials to find out just how effective they are in stabilizing moods.
You can combine anticonvulsant medications combined with lithium or other anticonvulsant medications for maximum effect.
Lithium is most often used to treat children and teens with bipolar disorder, but valproate and carbamazepine can also be used. Other medications are being sought for children and adolescents.
Medication Research
People who suffer from bipolar disorder are at serious risk of alternating between mania and hypomania, and even developing rapid cycling, due to antidepressant treatment. Mood-stabilizing medications have to be used with antidepressants to prevent this from occurring. Lithium and valproate are the most common mood-stabilizing drugs, but scientists are still looking for newer medications that can be used as potential mood-stabilizers.
Clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, and ziprasidone are atypical antipsychotic medications that are currently under study for bipolar disorder. Clozapine is a good a mood stabilizer for people who do not see effects from lithium or anticonvulsants. Olanzapine is a good treatment for acute mania and psychotic depression. It has even recently received FDA approval.
A benzodiazepine medication like clonazepam or lorazepam can be helpful for patients with insomnia. As effective as they are, they are only prescribed for short-term treatments because insomnia medications are often habit-forming. Zolpidem can be used as an alternative insomnia treatment.
Alterations may be necessary in the treatment plan for effective management of bipolar disorder. Your psychiatrist will discuss with you and decide on any changes in type of medication or dosage.
You have to make sure the psychiatrist knows about any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, natural supplements and illicit drugs you are taking. Certain medications, vitamins and supplements can cause reactions with the bipolar medications that can ruin the treatment’s efficacy or cause relapse.
You have to follow through with the treatment plan for the entire prescription course or the treatment will be ineffective.
A variety of medications must be used in tandem to effectively control and eventually overcome bipolar disorder. It is essential to consult a qualified therapist or doctor to correctly diagnose the disorder and to prescribe the medications and therapies.
