Medications for Bipolar Disorder
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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medicines as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about medicines or their potential side effects, contact your doctor.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of mental health. They can prescribe medicines for medical conditions including bipolar disorder . Some primary care doctors, who do not specialize in psychiatry, may also prescribe these medicines. In less severe cases, they will treat patients in consultation with a psychiatrist.
Medicine known as mood stabilizers are the mainstay of treatment used to help control the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. Several different types of mood stabilizers are available. You may continue treatment with mood stabilizers for an extended period of time (years). Other medicines are added when necessary, sometimes only for shorter periods of time, to treat acute episodes of mania or depression as needed.
Prescription Medications
- Valproate (Depakote)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Zeldox)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Combination (atypical antipsychotic and SSRIs)
- Olanzapine/fluoxetine (Symbyax)
Mood Stabilizers
- Lithium
Lithium stabilizes your mood and is often used as initial treatment for preventing manic and depressive episodes. It acts on the central nervous system and helps you to have more control over your emotions. It has been the only medicine consistently shown to be effective in preventing suicide in patients with mood disorders.
Do not drink large amounts of caffeinated beverages (such as coffee, tea, and colas) when you are taking lithium.
Possible side effects include:
- Frequent urination or loss of bladder control
- Increased thirst
- Nausea
- Shakiness of the hands
- Loss of hair
- Acne or other skin conditions
Anticonvulsants
- Valproate (Depakote)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
Anticonvulsant medicines, such as valproate (Depakote) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), can also have mood-stabilizing effects and may be especially useful for difficult-to-treat bipolar episodes. In some people, anticonvulsant medicines are combined with lithium, or with each other, for maximum effect.
Researchers are evaluating the safety and efficacy of psychotropic medicines in children and adolescents, in light of their widespread use. There is some evidence that valproate may lead to adverse hormonal changes in teenage girls and polycystic ovary syndrome in women who began taking the medicine before age 20. Young female patients taking valproate should be carefully monitored by their doctors.
Possible side effects include:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Change in menstrual periods
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Hair loss
- Weight loss or gain
- Trembling of arms, hands
- Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior
Benzodiazepines
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
There are many different types of benzodiazepine medicines, including clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan). They can be helpful in promoting better sleep and reducing agitation. However, since these medicines can be highly addictive and lead tolerance, they are typically only prescribed on a short-term basis or for emergencies.
Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness (particularly in elderly persons)
Non-benzodiazepines
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
Zolpidem (Ambien) may be used to treat insomnia . You should take zolpidem just before going to bed since it works quickly. It may work faster if you take it on an empty stomach. You should not take it unless you can get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. If you must wake up before then, you may feel drowsy and experience memory problems because the medicine has not had time to wear off.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a role in depression . They may occasionally be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, in combination with other medicines.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction (ranging from decreased arousal, to erectile dysfunction , and/or delayed time to orgasm)
- Serotonin syndrome (a serious medical condition caused by an overload of serotonin)
- Sedation or insomnia
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Risk of severe mood and behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts in some patients (Young adults may be at a higher risk for this side effect.)
Other Antidepressants
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
There are several other antidepressants that work in a variety of different ways and effect the concentrations of the neurotransmitters (natural substances found in the brain) serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are all known to be involved in the regulation of mood.
The exact mechanism of buproprion is poorly understood. But, it is thought to mediated through norepinephrine and dopamine pathways. It is often used in patients who are depressed and unable to tolerate SSRIs. It is also sometimes used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, along with a mood stabilizer.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Appetite increase or decrease
- Sedation or insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction (not commonly experienced with Wellbutrin, but is possible)
- Risk of severe mood and behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts in some patients (Young adults may be at a higher risk for this side effect.)
Venlafaxine (Effexor) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta) are in the class of medicines called serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They work by increasing the amount of both serotonin and norepinephrine. SNRIs are considered a last option for treatment of bipolar disorder and should always be used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Appetite increase or decrease
- Increased blood pressure
- Risk of severe mood and behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts in some patients (Young adults may be at a higher risk for this side effect.)
Mirtazepine (Remeron), a tetracyclic antidepressant, has a unique mechanism of action. The medicine increases the release of norepinepherine from certain neurons through a complicated process.
Possible side effects include:
- Sedation
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Risk of severe mood and behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts in some patients (Young adults may be at a higher risk for this side effect.)
Atypical Antipsychotics
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Zeldox)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
In some cases, atypical antipsychotic medicines, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal), are added to a medicine routine to reduce manic symptoms. Quetiapine (Seroquel) has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of both mania and depression in bipolar disorder.
Possible side effects include:
- Weight gain, metabolism changes
- Increase in cholesterol
- Increase in blood sugar
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Risk of severe mood and behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts in some patients (Young adults may be at a higher risk for this side effect.)
Combination (Atypical Antipsychotic and SSRI Antidepressant)
Another medicine, called Symbyax, combines olanzapine and fluoxetine (Symbyax). This has both an atypical antipsychotic and an SSRI antidepressant.
Possible side effects include:
- High blood sugar
- Sedation
- Lightheadnesses, dizziness
- Change in ability to think clearly
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Risk of severe mood and behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts in some patients (Young adults may be at a higher risk for this side effect.)
Special Note
Women with bipolar disorder who wish to conceive, or who become pregnant, face special challenges due to the harmful effects of some mood stabilizing medicines on the developing fetus. If you are considering breastfeeding your baby and will be taking medicine at the same time, discuss the possible risks with your doctor before you start. If possible, these discussions should take place prior to a pregnancy. New treatments that have fewer side effects are being studied.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if your medicine does not seem to be working or if you have any side effects that are troublesome and persistent.
Special Considerations
If you are taking medicines, follow these general guidelines:
- Take your medicine as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
- Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
- Do not share them.
- Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.
- Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medicine and herb or dietary supplements.
- Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.
References
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Last reviewed December 2009 by Ryan Estévez, MD, PhD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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