Find Relief with Bipolar Medication

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a medical condition that affects millions. Not only is this disorder potentially life-altering for its sufferers, but also for their family and friends. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder experience alternating episodes of depression and mania, sometimes with normal periods of functioning in between. Some bipolar episodes are severe, others are mild. Some last for a few days, while others last for months. Then there is what's known as mixed mood, where both mania and depression is experienced in one day. Many sufferers of all kinds often find relief from one or more types of bipolar medication.

Antidepressants are the first category of medication that may be used in the treatment of this disorder. The majority of antidepressants prescribed today are either SSRIs or SNRIs. SSRI stands for selective serotonin reputake inhibitor and includes medications like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. SNRIs are a bit different than SSRIs. SNRI stands for serotonin norepinephrine reputake inhibitor and works on both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Examples of SNRIs include Effexor and Cymbalta. Antidepressants should be used under strict medical supervision as they can potentially trigger manic episodes in bipolar patients. They are sometimes used along with the next category of drugs -- antipsychotics.

Antipsychotics such as Abilify, Clorazil and Zyprexa are normally used for treating manic episodes. They may also be used to treat psychotic behavior which occurs during a severe manic or depressive episode. Other uses for antipsychotics include the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and agitation in bipolar sufferers. These drugs can be administered for a short period of time as opposed to antidepressants which are often given on a long-term basis. There are risks to consider when taking antipsychotics, such as weight gain and an increase in cholesterol levels. The prescribing physician will weigh potential risks against potential benefits when deciding whether or not to use this type of drug.

Mood stabilizers are another type of bipolar medication that may be prescribed. Examples of mood stabilizers include Lithium, Depakote and Trileptal. These drugs are used to treat manic episodes, encourage normal periods, and discourage development of both manic and depressive episodes. As mentioned before, some patients are prescribed both antidepressants and mood stabilizers at the same time. Occasionally, they may also be used in conjunction with antipsychotics. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder, your doctor will decide whether or not mood stabilizers, antidepressants or antipsychotics are right for you.

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