The Spectrum of Bipolar Meds

Subscribe to eGreen Newsletter & get a special 5-part greenHealthLife E-course now! Name: Email: We will not sell your name period. We respect your privacy

Defined Tag: Bipolar Meds.

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition where recurring periods of depression alternate with periods of mania. Bipolar disorder is one of the most expensive conditions requiring treatment, with bipolar meds even costing $15 a pill, which has to be taken every day.

Treatment for bipolar disorder using bipolar meds is usually undertaken through mood-stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. 4 groups of drugs are most commonly used, namely Lithium, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants.

The first choice for treating bipolar disorder is Lithium. Lithium, as lithium carbonate, is an anti manic drug used in the long-term treatment of the condition because of its non-addictive property. It can be paired with an antipsychotic or a sedative agent to immediately curb manic behavior. Lithium however can be highly toxic and has to be regularly monitored in the blood. Alternatives to Lithium are Carbamazepine (Tegretol), which is an anticonvulsant, as well as Clonazepram (Klonopin, Rivotril), and Valproate (Depakene). Divalproex Sodium (Depakote) is also used, though it too is highly toxic and increases testosterone production in young women.

Bipolar meds for treating mania are antipsychotic drugs like Chlorpromazine and Laloperidol. Olanzapine (Zyprexa), and Kisperdal, which are usually used for treating schizophrenia, can also be used as bipolar meds for mania. These are usually used with a mood-stabilizer medication for acute episodes.

Anticonvulsant bipolar meds include Tegretol, Lamictal, Neurontin, Felbatol, Gabatril, and Topamax. Lamotrigene (Lamictal) was approved for long-term use treatment in the summer of 2003, after it was found that it decreased the occurrence of repeat episodes of bipolar disorder and also doubled as a mood-elevating mood stabilizer.

Bipolar meds for treating depression usually consist of antidepressants, usually Tricyclic antidepressants, and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) antidepressants. Benzodiazepine antidepressants, like Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan, are mostly used short-term because of their addictive effect. Tranquilizers can also be used for the short-term to treat symptoms of delusion and hallucinations. These bipolar meds usually comprise of neuroleptics and anxiolytics.

A few more bipolar meds are still in experimental stages.