Where Do I Start
If you think you might have bipolar disorder or are unhappy with your medication, talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Write down a list of questions, and dont be afraid to share your concerns about side effects or past experiences. If youre currently experiencing a manic or depressive episode, you may need to consult with your doctor at least once a week to assess the effects of the medication. If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing psychotic symptoms, you can go to the hospital or call a loved one for help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or their TTY number at 1-800-799-4TTY .
The more information you give your doctor, the better they can help you find the right treatment for your bipolar disorder. What steps can you take today to take the best care of your mind, mood, and body?
Side Effects Of Bipolar Drugs
Like any drug, bipolar medicines can cause some side effects. They vary depending on which medications you use. These side effects can include:
- Belly pain
- Skin reaction
Some medications can affect how well your liver works or the amount of white blood cells or platelets you have. You may need regular tests to make sure that you’re staying healthy. The antipsychotic drug ziprasidone is linked to a rare but serious skin reaction called DRESS syndrome .
Many side effects will go away after a few weeks of treatment. If you still feel bad after that, see your doctor. Don’t assume you have to just live with the side effects. Your doctor may be able to change your dose, give you another medicine to control the side effects, or try a different medication altogether.
Taking Lithium For Bipolar Affective Disorder
If you are prescribed Lithium for Bipolar your consultant will advise you on the dosage you should take. It is thought 40% of people prescribed the drug do not take it as prescribed and this can have a large impact on the efficacy of the drug as well as the side effects.
You will be closely monitored to check that the drug is working and to review the impact on your body and mental health. It is vitally important that you discuss any changes to the dosage of your drug with your consultant before making changes.
Lithium is not advised for those with certain physical health conditions e.g. Addisons disease, cardiac rhythm disorder and hypothyroidism, therefore you will be advised to undergo thorough medical investigations before Lithium could be considered. These tests can be done privately or may be available through your GP.
You will need regular blood tests while you are taking Lithium. Once you are on a steady dose, you shouldhave a blood test every 3 months to check your Lithium blood or plasma levels. Every six months you shouldalso have a test on your thyroid and kidney to make sure they are not being damaged by the Lithium.
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Medicine For Bipolar Disorder
There are many ways to find out more about these Bipolar Disorder treatment. A physician can prescribe you the proper remedy. You can also do further research on your own to learn more about handling different types of Bipolar Disorder symptoms. Various websites offer advice and suggestions on how to deal with Bipolar disorders. If you need more information, you can go through the medical references provided.
Before taking any medication, it is essential to know how it affects your body. A doctor will tell you what side affects you should expect when using any prescribed medications. Some websites offer advice on reducing the side effects of drugs that you may be prescribed for Bipolar Disorder treatment. It is always advisable to take medicines under the guidance of a Physician or Psychologist. This will help you understand how your medication works and what side effects it may have.
The use of mood stabilizers in the treatment of Bipolar Disorders is relatively everyday and effective. It has been proven that this type of medication can successfully treat and even prevent the recurrence of mania or depression. However, it is also important to note that mood stabilizers can cause sedation. They can affect patients with a tendency to drink. Before you decide on medication for bipolar Disorder, it is advisable to talk to your Physician and your Psychiatrist.
Treatment In Intensive Care Facility
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that requires intensive treatment and in the case of chronic drug abuse or substance abuse, a Dual Diagnosis recovery program that addresses both conditions is recommended. Contact us today to learn the complete study that will help your loved one with the bipolar disorder treatment.
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Important Help And Support
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, patients may engage in risky activities, such as fast driving or certain risky sports. They should be monitored and prevented from taking chances, especially in a car. Drinks and foods containing caffeine — tea, coffee, and cola– should be allowed in moderation. Avoid alcohol at all times. It is very important for a patient experiencing manic symptoms to receive prompt psychiatric assessment. Family members may need to contact the doctor, because oftentimes patients in a manic or hypomanic episode have little insight into their illness and may refuse treatment. But prompt intervention, including possible medication adjustments at an early point in an episode, may prevent further problems and the need for hospitalization.
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Concept Of Antipsychotic Medications
Another type with Bipolar Disorder treatment is known as antipsychotic medicines. These are often used in conjunction with an antidepressant to treat severe mania, which is one of the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. However, there are many different antipsychotic medicines, including a mixture of benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers. Some of the common side effects include sweating, confusion, slowed breathing, jitteriness, and increased heart rate.
Common medications for Bipolar Disorder treatment include antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants, which are commonly prescribed in combinations. In addition to the common side effects described above, these drugs can cause patients to have driving and insomnia problems.
A few antidepressants, such as clomipramine and fluoxetine , have serious side effects, including mania and hallucinations. Suppose a patient is on an antidepressant and begins to exhibit symptoms of mania or hypomania. In that case, it is important to immediately stop the antidepressant and seek emergency help, as these conditions can be fatal.
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Causes And Risk Factors
Although the origins of bipolar disorder are still unknown, there are several underlying causes and risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disorder. Heredity appears to be one of the primary factors involved. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, approximately two-thirds of individuals with bipolar disorder have one or more family member who also has a severe mood disorder.
Neurological factors also play a significant role in mood disorders like bipolar disorder. Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, play critical roles in moods and energy levels. In people with bipolar disorder, these chemicals may be deficient or imbalanced, contributing to the severe emotional fluctuations and energy states. Hormonal imbalances and structural changes in the areas of the brain responsible for cognition and mood regulation have also been associated with bipolar disorder, according to Frontiers in Psychiatry. Current research indicates that there is no single neurobiological factor involved in bipolar disorder, but that there are several different pathologies that may trigger bipolar symptoms.
An individuals environment can be a risk factor for developing bipolar disorder.
Children who grow up in stressful or abusive home environments may have a higher risk of developing mood disorders in adolescence or young adulthood, when the symptoms of bipolar disorder first manifest themselves.
What Meds Treat Bipolar
Several types of medications can be used to treat bipolar disorder. The most common ones are generally called mood stabilizers. They work by restoring the balance of the chemicals in your brain.
Mood stabilizers work best if you take them consistently. Sometimes people stop taking them during a manic episode becauselets face itmanic episodes can feel great, and who wants to miss that? If you stop taking your meds though, it will take longer for them to kick in once another depressive episode hits.
Here are some of the most popular mood stabilizers:
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Side Effects Of Lithium
Although Lithium is highly effective, it isnt without its issues and side effects can occur. If you experience unpleasant or severe side effects, always consult medical opinion as quickly as possible, before changing your dose.
10% of people taking Lithium will experience:
- Stomach upset
- Fits or seizures
Immediate Action Required: Call 999 Or Go To A& e Now If:
- youre having an allergic reaction
- you have lithium toxicity
Lithium is generally safe to take for a long time. Most people take it for years with no problems.
If you’ve been taking lithium for some time, it can cause weight gain. It can also cause problems with your kidneys or thyroid gland.
Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. Signs of kidney problems include swollen hands or ankles, feeling tired and short of breath, changes in your pee and feeling sick. Tell your doctor if you get any these symptoms. Your doctor will test your thyroid and kidneys every 6 months to check for any changes.
If you find you’re putting on weight after taking lithium for a while, try to have a healthy balanced diet. Regular exercise will also help you keep your weight stable. Your doctor will usually monitor your weight while you’re taking this medicine.
Your doctor may discuss topping up levels of the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces with a tablet.
Lithium is not an antipsychotic medicine, it’s known as a mood stabiliser. However, your doctor might prescribe an antipsychotic medicine with lithium.
Usually, if you have depression, you’ll be prescribed an antidepressant medicine first as they are considered more effective for depression than lithium.
However, when antidepressants have not worked, your doctor might prescribe lithium as well. This may be more effective and help your symptoms get better.
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Causes & Risk Factors
The precise causes of bipolar disorder are unknown. However, there is strong evidence that biological factors, including genetics, play an important role. Stress or difficult family relationships do not cause the illness. However, these factors may trigger an episode in someone who already has the illness.
Effective Medications Used For Treating Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme shifts in mood. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can include extremely elevated mood known as mania, to sudden and intense change to feeling depressed and low. Bipolar depression is also known as manic depression or bipolar disease.
Since there is no cure for bipolar, people with the disorder have to be treated on an ongoing basis with a combination of therapy and medication. Seeing a mental health professional regularly is also necessary, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Medications are usually recommended as the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. This helps control the symptoms as quickly as possible.
Once your symptoms of Bipolar disorder are under control, and you are able to manage them, you will start maintenance treatment for lowering the risk of a relapse or flare-up. Maintenance treatment also decreases the chances of experiencing minor shifts in mood from turning into depression or mania.
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Information About Your Lithium Treatment
When you start taking lithium, you will get a lithium treatment pack with a record booklet. You need to show your record booklet every time you see your doctor, go to hospital, or collect your prescription.
When you go to the doctor for blood tests, you or your doctor will write in the record booklet:
- your dose of lithium
- problems with your eyesight
- increased need to pee, lack of control over pee or poo
- feeling faint, lightheaded or sleepy
- confusion and blackouts
- shaking or muscle weakness, muscle twitches, jerks or spasms affecting the face, tongue, eyes or neck
If you need to go to A& E, take the lithium packet or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.
Does Bipolar Disorder Worsen With Age
In some cases, yes. As some people with bipolar disorder get older, depressive symptoms can become more common over time. One study found that people diagnosed at age 44 or younger tend to experience more depressive symptoms over time compared to people diagnosed at 45 or older.
On the other hand, there isnt much evidence that says if manic symptoms get worse over time. If you have bipolar disorder and you think your symptoms are changing with time, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help optimize your medications and other forms of treatment used to treat bipolar disorder.
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Antipsychotics For Bipolar Disorder
You are most likely to be prescribed an antipsychotic if you have an episode of mania or severe depression in which you experience psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices. However, some antipsychotics are increasingly prescribed even if you haven’t had psychotic symptoms, as their side effects might be less unpleasant, and they’re safer in pregnancy.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence treatment guidelines recommend the following antipsychotics:
- haloperidol
- olanzapine
- quetiapine
- risperidone
If your first antipsychotic doesn’t work, you should be offered a different one from the list above. If the second antipsychotic doesn’t work you may be offered lithium to take together with an antipsychotic.
If you’re prescribed an antipsychotic, you’ll need to have regular health checks with your doctor.
Medications For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can affect every area of your life. But medications for the condition can help stabilize your mood and reduce your symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition in which you experience significant shifts in mood and energy levels. Mood states you might go through may include depression, mania or hypomania, and mixed episodes.
If you dont treat bipolar disorder, the condition can be debilitating. Medications for bipolar can help stabilize your moods so that you can resume daily activities with as few symptoms as possible. Long-term treatment is considered necessary, since bipolar disorder is a chronic condition.
Commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder include:
- lithium
- anticonvulsants
- antipsychotic medications
Healthcare professionals may also prescribe other types of medications to treat bipolar disorder, such as antidepressants to take alongside other medications.
The term mood stabilizer can refer to several different types of medications, all of which may help reduce bipolar symptoms.
Lithium emerged more than 70 years ago as the first mood stabilizer. Healthcare professionals still consider it the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder.
Research has shown that lithium may help prevent both mania and, to a lesser extent, depression.
Lithium can help treat or prevent the following states:
- mania
- hypomania
- bipolar depression
- aggressive or self-harming behavior
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Adjunctive Psychotherapy In Long
Most studies of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder are maintenance trials in which patients receive standard drugs and either an experimental psychosocial intervention or usual care . A meta-analysis of eight maintenance psycho therapy trials, which included family, individual, and group treatment trials, yielded effect sizes ranging from an odds ratio of 0·57 for reductions in any type of mood relapse to 1·2 for enhanced social functioning. A second meta-analysis of ten trials showed an overall RR of 0·74 for mood relapse.
Addressing Addiction And Bipolar
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the psychological and physical impairment caused by bipolar disorder make it the most expensive behavioral health diagnosis, both in terms of health care costs and loss of quality of life. Individuals with bipolar disorder may feel misunderstood, stigmatized, or isolated because of their illness. The disorder can have a negative impact on all aspects of a persons life, from occupational functioning to the quality of relationships. Having the support and concern of a close friend or family member can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment.
Many people feel uncomfortable about broaching the subjects of mental illness and addiction with a loved one. However, it is important to remember that the course of addiction and bipolar disorder will rarely improve without professional intervention. Expressing concern to a loved one may feel awkward or embarrassing at first, but this conversation could make a significant difference in the outcome of the disease.
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A Brief View On Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are another popularly prescribed Bipolar Disorder treatment. They work by controlling the chemicals in your brain that transmit impulses to various parts of the body. The main drugs used for this type of Bipolar Disorder are Clonidine and Lofexidine. Bipolar Disorder treatment can be used with mood stabilizers or just on their own.
These Antipsychotics Are Commonly Prescribed:
- Latuda
- Zyprexa
- Geodon
- Risperdal
- Clorazil
Another common medication for Bipolar Disorder is the tricyclic antidepressant Elavil. It can treat both mania and depression simultaneously but has not been approved to treat manic depression. It can be used to treat both of these disorders separately if you prefer. It is available in most pharmacies without a prescription. People in bipolar disorder may benefit from counselling, cognitive behavioral therapy , and a variety of lifestyle improvements to help them control their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Newer medications are being developed every day that are being tested for use as Bipolar Disorder treatments. One such drug called Pimafix is being used for Bipolar Disorder. This medication is similar to some antidepressants but does not carry the risk of many side effects. Pimafix is being developed for adult Bipolar Disorder.