What are the treatment options for bipolar disorder, aside from lithium?
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There are several alternatives to lithium for treating bipolar disorder. For most people with bipolar disorder, the best treatment is a mood stabilization drug. In addition to lithium, doctors often prescribe valproic acid (also known as divalproex sodium). You should be aware that valproic acid may harm a woman's fertility. Doctors sometimes prescribe anticonvulsant drugs, such as lamotrigine, gabapentin, topiramate and oxcarbazepine, which work as mood stabilizers as well. These drugs may cause side effects, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Atypical antipsychotic drugs may help as well. Among the ones most often used for bipolar disorder are oxcarbazepine, aripiprazole, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone. Some doctors also prescribe antidepressants, though research suggests that these are not effective. In addition to medication, most patients undertake some kind of psychotherapy in which a mental health expert helps them figure out how to best manage their symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy, a refined form of the treatment formerly known as "shock therapy," may benefit some patients who are not helped by medication or cannot use medication.There are several alternatives to lithium for treating bipolar disorder. For most people with bipolar disorder, the best treatment is a mood stabilization drug. In addition to lithium, doctors often prescribe valproic acid (also known as divalproex... More
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Julie A. Fast answered:Lithium is a salt, so it’s very inexpensive. But.....
Lithium is just one of many treatment options for people with bipolar disorder. It’s often the first choice as it’s especially effective for full blown mania. But it’s usually combined with other drugs in order to manage depression, psychosis and anxiety as well.
Bipolar disorder has such a myriad of symptoms that it’s rare for people to be on only one drug.
The Four Categories of Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Mood stabilizers: lithium, Depakote, Tegretol and Lamictal. (The three outside of lithium are actually anti convulsant medications, but they were found to help with mood swings as well!)
Anti psychotics: The new generation of antipsychotics include Zyprexa, Seroquel, Abilify and Risperdal. (The older antipsychotics are rarely used today such as Thorazine, Haldol or Trilifon.
Anti depressants: You are probably very familiar with the antidepressants: Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil etc. Anti depressants are NOT a safe treatment for bipolar disorder unless they are combined with a mood stabilizer or anti psychotic as they can cause mania. People with bipolar disorder have to be carefully monitored for mania when they use anti depressants.
Anti anxiety: Used for anxiety and sleep. Ativan and Klonopin are most commonly used with bipolar disorder.
Medication side effects are a big problem as they can lead to ‘non compliance’ which means going off drugs. There can also be intense physical side effects such as weight gain with anti psychotics or kidney complications with lithium.
What Else Works?
I believe that medications are 50% of bipolar disorder treatment. Of course they are the most important and are absolutely essential, but triggers must be explored as well.
I write extensively about triggers in all of my work for a reason: mood swings are often triggered by outside events. This means that all parts of life must be examined and controlled in order to promote stability. The main areas are…
- Relationships
- Work
- Drug and Alcohol Use
- Sleep
- Travel
And a daily awareness of what leads to the most symptoms. Lifestyle changes are a big part of mangagement and it's very hard for many to accept taht change is essential.
Oh well, if only medications were enough!
Lithium and other medications are the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder, but they are only one part of a total management system.
Lithium is a salt, so it’s very inexpensive. But..... Lithium is just one of many treatment options for people with bipolar disorder. It’s often the first choice as it’s especially effective for full blown mania. But... More -
MediGuard answered:While lithium is a colorless salt, it is still a chemical and not a natural material. There are a lot of options for the treatment of bipolar and generalized anxiety disorder. While there might not be 1 drug that is effective for both, it would be a good idea to discuss with your doctor about the available treatment options.While lithium is a colorless salt, it is still a chemical and not a natural material. There are a lot of options for the treatment of bipolar and generalized anxiety disorder. While there might not be 1 drug that is effective for... More
