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Bipolar Medication
Bipolar medication is used to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. There are a variety of medications that psychiatrists prescribe and these are dependent on the severity of the condition and the individual's response.
Some bipolar patients are resisting medications because of the idea of long-term treatment. Bipolar medication is like medication for high blood pressure and heart problems; patients are required to take them to maintain a "normal" state of health prior to their illnesses.
Bipolar medication is a hit-or-miss or a trial-and-error type of treatment because the condition is quite complex and the individual may have different responses. Effects of bipolar medication do not appear overnight. It usually takes weeks to months to see the effect. Some effects can be beneficial while some can cause adverse reactions.
Until the right dose and type of medication is found, psychiatrists will try to find the most compatible bipolar medication or drugs to suit their patients.
Most common bipolar medications that are prescribed by doctors
Lithium
Lithium is a widely-used prescription medication for bipolar patients. It helps reduce the frequency and severity of mania episodes, and alleviate bipolar depression. Studies also show that patients who have suicidal tendencies benefit significantly.
Lithium can be taken as a maintenance drug since it can be prescribed for a long period of time.
The effect of lithium can take up to 2 weeks. Blood tests are conducted during lithium treatment since this drug can affect the kidneys.
It is advisable to drink lots of water or fluids and to take low to normal amounts of salt in your diet.
Common side effects of lithium:
tremors on the extremities, particularly the hands
frequent urination
increased thirst
diarrhea
nausea, vomiting
weight gain
drowsiness
weakening of muscles
hair loss
decreased thyroid function
poor concentration
impaired memory
acne
Patients should advice their doctor in advance regarding history of health problems such as heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, kidney disease and allergies.
Patients should also notify their doctors regarding the side effects they are encountering.
Risks:
may weaken children's bones (if given as medication for bipolar children)
may cause birth defects (lithium is not recommended for pregnant women)
breastfeeding is not advisable if the patient is taking lithium
prolonged lithium treatment may cause kidney problems
ECT [Electroconvulsive Therapy]
ECT is a bipolar medication for acute episodes of the disorder. Patients who are psychotic, suicidal or dangerous usually receive this treatment.
ECT is also used to treat patients who are highly depressive or those with severe mental illnesses.
ECT is considered a last resort bipolar medication especially when other treatments have failed.
Muscle relaxant is given to the patient prior ECT to limit the movement of the extremities during treatment. Electrodes are attached on the patient's scalp and controlled electric current is passed onto to the electrodes causing brief seizure in the brain- balancing the brain chemicals that may affect moods.
Common side effects of ECT:
confusion
short-term memory loss
nausea
jaw pain
headache
Risks:
rare cases of stroke, heart attack or death (not recommendable to patients with heart problems)
residual memory loss (1/3 of patients may be affected)
Anti-depressants
Anti-depressants are usually given to patients to alleviate depression and improve their moods. Effects of anti-depressants usually take 3 to 4 weeks. Doctors may recommend dosage change as well as different types of anti-depressants to suit the needs of their patients.
Types:
SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are given to patients with severe bipolar depression episodes. SSRIs are usually prescribed alongside lithium.
Known brands include the following:
Luvox
Prozac
Praxil
Zoloft
Side-effects:
insomnia
diarrhea
agitation
nervousness
nausea
rash
loss of libido
erectile dysfunction
weight loss/gain
MAOIs or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are given to bipolar patients to alleviate depression by preventing norephinephrine and serotonin breakdown in the brain. MAOIs are not often prescribed due to potential side-effects and the need for special diet.
Known brands include the following:
Nardil
Parnate
Side-effects:
difficulty sleeping
nausea, fainting and light-headedness
blurred vision
change in appetite
dry mouth
changes in heart rhythm and rate
high blood pressure
loss of libido
weight gain
Tricyclic Anti-depressants are given to patients together with mood stabilizers to prevent/minimize the chance of manic episodes that can be triggered by these drugs. These anti-depressants increase the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
Known brands include the following:
Elavil
Norpramin or Pertofrane
Pamelor
Tofranil
Side-effects:
may increase the risk of mania/manic episodes
may aggravate heart problems
Atypical anti-depressants may help alleviate depression, but the FDA has not yet approved these types of anti-depressants for bipolar disorder treatment.
Known brands include the following:
Effexor
Serzone
Remron
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin has shown positive results when used as treatment alongside lithium. However, these atypical anti-depressant drugs are still under further investigation.
