Gaining Comprehension About Normal Bipolar Medicinal Options
The onslaught of diseases and the need for medical attention are prime topics of national discussion - especially with an aging population. Increasingly people report ailments for which over-the-counter remedies aren’t able to help.
Among those conditions that cause such problems is bipolar disorder. So what are the most common medical treatments to address this need, and are there negative impacts to consider? Read on for further insights.
Lithium Salt
Lithium is the most common and highest prescribed of the bipolar medications used to treat bipolar disorder. It continues to be the gold standard and is seen as the most effective drug in bipolar treatment. Lithium treats mania along with depression, therefore reducing the cycling between both. It has also been proven to reduce the risk of suicide among people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Lithium is a natural salt. However, just because it is natural does not mean that there are no uncomfortable side effects. In fact, common side effects include stomach problems, weight gain, frequent urination, kidney damage, thyroid damage, foggy thinking, fatigue and tremors.
Because it’s important to keep your lithium blood levels within a certain range, you must follow your doctor’s prescribed dose. Your physician will test your blood levels regularly to ensure that your lithium levels aren’t too high or too low. Levels that are too high can become toxic and in extreme cases lead to death.
Divalproex Sodium
Divalproex sodium is the generic name for Depakote, an anti-seizure medication typically prescribed for people living with bipolar disorder. The drug is effective at treating mania and preventing manic episodes, but does little to counteract depression and therefore must be prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant. Common side effects include hair loss, fertility issues for women, weight gain and high toxicity in the pancreas and liver.
Lamictal
Lamictal is a commonly prescribed bipolar drug because it reduces instances of both mania and depression, therefore decreasing the number of cycles. The drug is popular also because it doesn’t cause weight gain - making it an attractive choice for those dissatisfied with other medications. Some common side effects include rare incidents of skin rash, nausea, dizziness, distorted vision and migraines or headaches.
Tegretol
Tegretol is typically used as an anti-manic drug, though it’s not very effective at treating depression. Common side effects include liver problems, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea and it’s also known to reduce the efficacy of birth control pills.
Trileptal Control of Mania
Trileptal is very similar to Tegretol, but believed to be safer, though not as effective. It will also interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, clumsiness and poor coordination.
Topomax
Typically, Topomax prescriptions are used along with other drugs for bipolar disease. Its main function is to prevent the increase of weight, and in fact often results in a decrease. But it can have some unintended impacts that include slower mental capacity, a sense of feeling a bit spacey, and general inattentiveness. Benefits of oral contraceptives are disrupted as well.
Zyprexa as Anti-Psychotic Medication
Zyprexa is a drug that’s often prescribed to people living with bipolar disorder as part of their medications, but it’s mainly used as an anti-psychotic drug and is very powerful. It’s available in a generic form known as olanzapine.
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