Bipolar Mania and the Medications Used

Around the world, medication is the standard and most proven treatment for bipolar. Some patients can be maintained on a single drug, but many others have to use a combination of prescribed medications, some call "med cocktail", to stabilize the disorder. These drugs depend on a few factors, the person's unique mood symptoms, their body and brain makeup and some unforeseen factors like other medicine being taken for other conditions. Here are some resources and important information on understanding these prescribed drugs.

• Zyprexa – Olanzapine

This was the first FDA (Food and Drug Administration approved antipsychotic medication for the treatment of bipolar mania. Research has shown that it is in line with Lithium for the use of mixed episodes. However, weight gain is the side effect of this medication.

• Risperidone (Risperdal)

Risperidone has a similar effect as Lithium. This medicine works well for a long-term stability. Side effects such as weight gain can be a concern.

• Clozapine (Clozaril)

Usually works to reduce bipolar symptoms and has been very successful in the treatment of difficult cases. The only concern is that it may reduce blood cell count.

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

This is a fairly new medicine which is used to treat intense mania and rapid-moods cycles.

• Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Recently used medication for bipolar with similar results is also used for very severe mania symptoms. It can have a swift effect on the symptoms.

• Valproate (Depakote)

Approved by the FDA in 1995, it became the first anticonvulsant drug for treating bipolar mania. For those who are going through rapid cycle, this drug is often used as a first line treatment.

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Not yet approved by FDA to treat mania, many have found its side effects very difficult to endure.

• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

This is a second-generation drug to treat convulsions, while it is still in the experimental stage, it is fairly good alternative medication.

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

This drug comes under the anticonvulsant drugs and is mostly used with other prescribed medications to bring a more desired result.

• Topiramate (Topamax)

This is the newest anticonvulsant in the market, which goes together with therapy. Although it may seem to create some problems with the mind functioning, it has no side effect especially with weight gain.

• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

The first antipsychotic medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of mania. It is quite as effective as Lithium to treat mixed episodes of bipolar, but weight gain is the main problem with this drug.

• Risperidone (Risperdal)

Similar to Lithium, it seems to work very well in long-term stability, but weight gain is a great concern with this medication.

• Clozapine (Clozaril)

This medicine is well known for its speed to reduce the bipolar symptoms. It has been very successful in the treatment of difficult cases. The only concern is it may bring down the count of blood cells.

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Seroquel is fairly new, used in severe mania and rapid-cycling. The side effects include dry mouth constipation and many more.

• Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Used for severe mania symptoms, it has been proven to act swiftly to stabilize bipolar mania. The side effects can be constipation, vomiting and for women the stopping of menstrual period to difficulty getting pregnant.

Final Words

As with any bipolar medication, most people do tolerate it quite well with no side effects. But if side effects do happen, please consult your doctor or a healthcare provider.