Top 10 Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder

There are several different types of medication for bipolar disorder. Some are less effective than others, however you should speak with your doctor to get the right prescription for you. It is important to discuss any side effects you may experience with your physician before starting any new medications. These bipolar medications are some of the more prescribed medicines. Below is the list of the top 10 Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder, the listing is in no particular order.

1- Lithium

Lithium is one of the top 10 medications used to treat bipolar disorder, there are two types of lithium. One is a carbonate, while the other is citrate. Both are absorbed differently in the body, and the correct dosage depends on the age and severity of the patient’s condition. Patients should always follow the instructions carefully when taking lithium. This medication comes in both liquid and tablet form. In addition to the standard dosage, the doctor may prescribe an alternate medication that doesn’t interfere with lithium.

2- Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is one of a number of mood stabilizer medications approved to treat bipolar disorder. It is often used to treat acute episodes of mania, while other patients are prescribed it as maintenance therapy. This medication has been a popular treatment for bipolar disorder since the 1970s and has recently become more commonly used. Large-scale trials in the United States and Taiwan have reaffirmed its efficacy in treating acute mania. 

3- Divalproex sodium

Divalproex sodium is a mood stabilizer prescribed for the treatment of a bipolar disorder. It is effective in treating episodes of mania and depression. It is prescribed for various disorders and comes in three forms: oral tablets, extended-release capsules, and extended-release tablets. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches in patients with bipolar disorder. Some drugs carry black-box warnings that warn doctors about potential side effects.

4- Lamotrigine

While lamotrigine has been used for decades for the treatment of bipolar depression, Lamotrigine is an atypical antipsychotic and mood stabilizer that may be used in combination with other antidepressants. It is thought to produce additive effects to mood-stabilizing medications or inhibit the release of serotonin. In addition, pregnant women should discuss their dosage with their doctor before taking lamotrigine.

5- Valproic acid

Valproic acid is one of the top medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder, as with other drugs, valproic acid can interact with other medications. This medication has a long list of possible interactions with other drugs. Before taking it, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, and ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients. Some of the side effects of valproic acid include loss of consciousness, depression, and sleep disturbances.

6- Loxapine

Loxapine has been used in the treatment of acute psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used as a short-term treatment in people who are unable to tolerate traditional psychotic medications. Studies have shown that loxapine helps people with schizophrenia improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of relapse. 

7- Haloperidol

This medication is also an antipsychotic. It can help treat people with psychotic symptoms, such as Tourette’s syndrome. It may also help balance neurotransmitters in the brain. It’s in a class of medications called butyrophenone antipsychotics. Despite its popularity as one of the top bipolar disorder medications, haloperidol has some side effects. It can cause the user to feel drowsy or lightheaded, which can increase their risk of accidental injury.

8- Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic that is effective for treating both the manic and the depressive phases of bipolar disorder. It is available as a tablet and as a liquid suspension. While its effects were limited in clinical studies, aripiprazole is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder.

9- Asenapine

Asenapine is a common antipsychotic drug that is used in the treatment of a bipolar disorder. The drug is an antidepressant and is very effective in treating acute mania, but it has not been studied in a long-term setting. Although this medication is one of the top 10 medications used to treat bipolar disorder, additional research is needed to determine if it is the right choice for your case.

10- Cariprazine

Cariprazine is a prescription drug for bipolar disorder. It is used to treat depression associated with bipolar disorder I. It is also prescribed to treat sub syndromic manic symptoms. It has antidepressant and antimanic effects and shows good efficacy. A recent review of prior studies found that cariprazine is effective in treating adult patients with bipolar disorder. 

All medications work different for different people so be sure to talk to your doctor about the right bipolar medication for you.

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Also check out the video below for more information about bipolar medications.