Almost 10 million Americans are living with bipolar disorder. A combination of a healthy lifestyle, therapy, and the right bipolar medication can make life normal again. The right treatment plan can ensure you live a fulfilled and happy life, effectively managing your bipolar disorder. It’s important to remember that there are several types of bipolar and related disorders: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. There are also other types of bipolar disorders. If you think you might be suffering from bipolar disorder and require medication, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include mania or hypomania, and depression. Bipolar disorder can cause a person to have unpredictable changes in mood and behavior. When someone is experiencing a manic or a hypomanic episode, they may show the following symptoms: Increased energy and upbeatness, an exaggerated sense of self-confidence, sleeping less, racing thoughts, and engaging in risky behavior.
A depressive bipolar episode may include symptoms such as feeling sad, a decrease in appetite and weight loss, sleeping issues like insomnia or sleeping too much, low energy, decreased concentration, and indecisiveness.
There are several types of bipolar medications available and all must be prescribed.
1. Mood stabilizers: This medication helps control manic or hypomanic episodes by stabilizing your mood. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine.
2. Antipsychotics: Adding an antipsychotic drug can be beneficial if symptoms of depression or mania are not helped by treatment with other medications. Antipsychotic medications include olanzapine, risperidone , quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, lurasidone, or asenapine. These medications can be prescribed alone or with a mood stabilizer.
3. Antidepressants: These medications are intended to help manage depression and are usually prescribed with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic because antidepressants can sometimes trigger a manic episode.
4. Antidepressant-antipsychotic: A medication called Symbyax combines an antidepressant and an antipsychotic, working as a depression treatment and a mood stabilizer.
5. Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications that may help with anxiety and improve sleep. They are used on a short-term basis.
Finding the right medication or combination medications may take some time and trialing several combinations. Patience is important, as not everyone responds to medication the same way. Medications also need weeks or even months to become fully effective and it's important to give them time to work. As your symptoms may change, medications may need to be changed or adjusted.
Like any medicine, bipolar medication can cause some side effects, such as nausea, sexual problems, weight gain, stomach pains, and skin reactions to name a few. The good news is that
many of these side effects go away after a few weeks of treatment. Keep in mind that all bodies are different and not everyone experiences the same side effects, to the same degree.
If you think you might have bipolar disorder, you don’t have to suffer alone. Our initial consultation with a trained professional will assess and classify your bipolar disorder. We have a strong commitment to mental health and to providing services to those who are seeking support and treatment. This diagnosis is treatable and manageable with medication and therapy. Our personalized treatment plans are formulated for each client and we also work with each client’s other healthcare providers for a holistic approach to their mental health. Our two locations in Portland, Oregon and St. Petersburg, Florida are ready for you. If you are looking for help with your bipolar disorder or simply have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
