What are the side effects of drugs that treat bipolar disorder?
ANSWER
Like any drug, bipolar medicines can cause some side effects. They vary depending on which medications you use. These side effects can include:
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 (Geodon) is linked to a rare but serious skin reaction called DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms).
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Hair loss
- Sexual problems
- Weight gain
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain
- Skin reaction
From: Medications for Bipolar Disorder WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Joseph Goldberg on April 6, 2018
National Institute of Mental Health: “How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?”
Fieve, R. Bipolar II.
American Journal of Psychiatry : "Practice Guideline for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Part A: Treatment recommendations for patients with bipolar disorder."
Mayo Clinic: “Bipolar disorder.”
National Institute of Mental Health: “How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?”
Fieve, R. Bipolar II.
American Journal of Psychiatry : "Practice Guideline for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Part A: Treatment recommendations for patients with bipolar disorder."
Mayo Clinic: “Bipolar disorder.”
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