Bipolar Disorder: Medications

Bipolar Medications

Finding the right bipolar medication can be challenging for you and your doctor. Here you’ll find information to help you deal with side effects and tips for sticking to your treatment.

Bipolar Medications

 

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder

Lithium has been used for years for bipolar. Find out what to expect if you’re taking lithium.

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder

 

Bipolar Disorder and Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants were originally used to treat seizures. Find out how they can help bipolar too.

Bipolar Disorder and Anticonvulsants

 

Antipsychotics for Bipolar Disorder

Did you know that some people with bipolar disorder get long-term help from antipsychotic medications? Learn more here.

Antipsychotics for Bipolar Disorder

 

Calcium Channel Blockers for Bipolar Mania

Here's where to learn why doctors sometimes prescribe these blood pressure drugs for bipolar mania.

Calcium Channel Blockers for Bipolar Mania

 

Benzodiazepines for Bipolar Disorder

For short-term relief of manic symptoms, benzodiazepines can be very helpful. Here's where to learn when, and how, they are used.

Benzodiazepines for Bipolar Disorder

 

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Bipolar

Current techniques are much gentler than what you've seen in the movies. Discover why doctors sometimes recommend ECT for bipolar disorder.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Bipolar

 

Antidepressants for Bipolar Disorder

Find out how antidepressants can help bipolar and learn when they shouldn’t be used.

Antidepressants for Bipolar Disorder

 

Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft for Bipolar Disorder

The so-called SSRI antidepressants often help people with bipolar disorder. Here's why.

Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft for Bipolar Disorder

 

MAOI Antidepressants and Bipolar Disorder

The so-called MAOI antidepressants -- Nardil and Parnate -- aren't often used by people with bipolar disorder. Here's why.

MAOI Antidepressants and Bipolar Disorder

 

Effexor, Remeron, Wellbutrin for Bipolar Disorder

The "atypical" antidepressants may have a role in treating bipolar depression. Learn why.

Effexor, Remeron, Wellbutrin for Bipolar Disorder

 

Tricyclic Antidepressants and Bipolar Depression

The older tricyclic antidepressants are only rarely recommended for patients with bipolar depression. Here's why.

Tricyclic Antidepressants and Bipolar Depression

 

Maintenance Medications for Bipolar Disorder

Once a depressive or manic phase is under control, people with bipolar disorder often continue treatment that keeps them on an even keel. Learn more here.

Maintenance Medications for Bipolar Disorder

 

Advanced Reading: New Medications for Bipolar Disorder

This article -- written for doctors -- provides information on new medications for bipolar disorder presented at the American Psychiatric Association meeting.

Advanced Reading: New Medications for Bipolar Disorder