| Treating bipolar disease is usually | | | | bipolar medication known as Valproate is |
| accomplished through a bipolar medication | | | | often prescribed. |
| such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants and | | | | |
| antipsychotic meds used in combination or | | | | In some cases, antipsychotic drugs such as |
| alone. Such medications may also be coupled | | | | Clozaril have been used as a preventative |
| with psychotherapy to provide optimum | | | | treatment in some bipolar patients, though it |
| results. | | | | tends to cause a rapid heart rate, |
| | | | hypotension, weight gain and constipation. |
| Because bipolar disorder, also known as | | | | Risperdal is also a common antipsychotic |
| bipolar disease or depression, is so | | | | medication that has been successful when used |
| difficult to identify and treat, it's | | | | in low doses, and since 2004, it has become |
| important to know that the disease can strike | | | | the drug of choice in a vast number of |
| any gender or age group. Normal high and low | | | | bipolar patients. Side effects associated |
| moments are experienced on a daily basis by | | | | with Risperdal are mild compared to the side |
| millions of Americans every day, but bipolar | | | | effects of other bipolar medication choices |
| disorder takes such feelings to an extreme. | | | | used in the past. |
| Ongoing and recurring episodes of both | | | | |
| depression and happiness are often the first | | | | Another antipsychotic drug known as Zyprexa, |
| signs of the disorder, coupled with extreme | | | | used in combination with lithium or valproate |
| feelings on both ends of the spectrum. | | | | for severe manic episodes, may cause low |
| | | | blood pressure and dizziness. Another very |
| Mood stabilizing agents are the most common | | | | common antipsychotic known as Seroquel has a |
| types of bipolar medication treatments. | | | | long-term mood stabilizing affect, while its |
| Antidepressants such as Lithium, Prozac, | | | | side effects may include dizziness and |
| Zoloft and Paxil and Valium are used to treat | | | | elevated blood sugar levels. |
| various levels of depression and offer | | | | |
| mood-stabilizing benefits, though in some | | | | Most bipolar medication antidepressants may |
| cases, they can cause mania. For more severe | | | | cause manic episodes in those suffering from |
| episodes, Haldol or Thorazine are used to | | | | bipolar disorder, so they are used only on a |
| control mania. However, such drugs as Haldol | | | | short-term basis. More often, the class of |
| and Thorazine, known as neuroeptics, can | | | | drugs known as Selective Serotonin reuptake |
| cause side effects such as muscle spasms, | | | | Inhibitors, more commonly known as SSRI's, |
| difficulty speaking and tremors. | | | | are prescribed, and include such drugs as the |
| | | | aforementioned Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil |
| Lithium is the most commonly prescribed | | | | anti-anxiety drugs. |
| bipolar medication and is used for ongoing | | | | |
| treatment, though its full effects may not be | | | | The most important aspect of treating bipolar |
| experienced for weeks, and sometimes, months. | | | | disorder is to first recognize the symptoms |
| Lithium is also the oldest drug used to treat | | | | of the disease and seek treatment. A doctor |
| bipolar disorder. It may take four to ten | | | | will decide which medication is right for |
| days to achieve a therapeutic level within | | | | each individual. However, it's good to know |
| the bloodstream, and is not as effective on | | | | that bipolar medication is available which |
| 'rapid-cyclers', or those who experience | | | | may aid thousands of people diagnosed with |
| frequent and chronic episodes of depression | | | | bipolar disorder to live relatively happy, |
| coupled with mania. For 'rapid-cyclers', a | | | | normal lives. |