Treatment FAQ

which of the following is the drug of choice for treatment of bipolar disorder?

by Kennith Greenholt MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The most widely used drugs for the treatment of bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate and valproic acid (also known as Depakote or generically as divalproex). Lithium carbonate can be remarkably effective in reducing mania, although doctors still do not know precisely how it works.Apr 14, 2020

Medication

For less severe acute episodes in patients without contraindications (eg, renal disorders), lithium is a good first choice for both mania and depressive episodes. Because its onset is slow (4 to 10 days), patients with significant symptoms may also be given an anticonvulsant or a 2nd-generation antipsychotic.

Therapy

Benzodiazepines include: 1 alprazolam (Xanax) 2 chlordiazepoxide (Librium) 3 clonazepam (Klonopin) 4 diazepam (Valium) 5 lorazepam (Ativan)

Which medications are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder can be treated. For best results, medication needs to be combined with therapy sessions and the instigation of good routines. The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a mood stabilizing agent. These medications even out the troughs and the peaks of mood swings to keep you on a more even keel.

Which of the following is a benzodiazepine?

Other names: Bipolar Affective Disorder; Bipolar Affective Mood Disorder; Bipolar I Disorder; Bipolar II Disorder; Manic Depression; Manic Depressive Disorder; Manic Depressive Illness; Mood Disorder.

Can bipolar disorder be treated?

What is another name for bipolar disorder?

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What is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?

The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a mood stabilizing agent. These medications even out the troughs and the peaks of mood swings to keep you on a more even keel. Other treatments may include antipsychotics or antidepressants. Medications should be combined with nonpharmacological treatments, such as:

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder. People with bipolar disorder fluctuate from feeling down and depressed to feeling super-charged or manic. The disorder used to be called manic depression or manic-depressive illness. However, nowadays, several types of bipolar disorder are recognized: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, ...

What are the symptoms of depression?

Thinking that is out of step with reality. Psychotic symptoms, such as false beliefs (delusions) or false perceptions (hallucinations) Very low mood. Deep depression. Self-loathing. Feelings of hopelessness or despair. Refusal to get out of bed.

Can bipolar be manic?

It can be hard to recognize bipolar disorder initially. During a manic phase, a person with bipolar disorder may be incredibly fun to be around. However, as the condition progresses, these manic ...

Can you get bipolar if you have another family member?

Although the exact cause is unknown, there does seem to be a genetic link, and you are more likely to get bipolar disorder if you have another family member with the condition. Symptoms are often triggered by a stressful situation or circumstance.

Can mania be a psychotic disorder?

Some people only develop milder symptoms of mania without psychotic symptoms. This is called hypomania. People who don’t have full blown episodes of mania are more likely to have bipolar II disorder. These mood swings are much more severe than the normal ups and downs most people go through.

Can antidepressants cause manic states?

If an antidepressant is prescribed without a mood stabilizer, it will often catapult the person into a full-on manic state. Recognizing bipolar illness is important for treatment, as mood stabilizing agents are the best type of medication.

Why is it so difficult to choose a drug?

Choice of drug can be difficult because all drugs have significant adverse effects, drug interactions are common , and no drug is universally effective. Selection should be based on what has previously been effective and well-tolerated in a given patient. If there is no prior experience (or it is unknown), choice is based on the patient’s medical history (vis-à-vis the adverse effects of the specific mood stabilizer) and the severity of symptoms.

Can you take SSRIs for bipolar?

Specific antidepressants (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]) are sometimes added for severe depression, but their effectiveness is controversial; they are generally not recommended as sole therapy for depressive episodes, though there is evidence than an SSRI (specifically sertra line) may be safe and effective as monotherapy for bipolar 2 depression (1).

Is lamotrigine a mood stabilizer?

Lamotrigine is effective for mood-cycling and for depression. The precise mechanism of action for anticonvulsants in bipolar disorder is unknown but may involve gamma-aminobutyric acid mechanisms and ultimately G-protein signaling systems. Their main advantages over lithium include a wider therapeutic margin and lack of renal toxicity.

How long does it take to stop taking benzodiazepines?

Response Feedback: “The regular use of benzodiazepines for more than 2 to 3 weeks may be associated with physiological dependence and the potential for significant withdrawal symptoms with discontinuation. Discontinuation of benzodiazepines is best done with a gradual taper to minimize withdrawal symptoms.”.

Do antidepressants increase mood?

Response Feedback: “As noted previously, antidepressants may contribute to an increase in mood episode frequency.”  Question 3 Glia cells play a supportive role in the neuron. A few of the functions of the glial cells include providing nutrition, maintaining homeostasis, stabilizing synapses, and myelinating axons.

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