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Medication For Bipolar Disorder

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Introduction

Are you wondering which type of medication is sufficient for a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?  Continue reading this article to find out.  This article will discuss various types of medication, two in particular, used to treat Bipolar Disorder.

Lithium

The first type of medication used to treat Bipolar Disorder is Lithium.  According to nami.org, the following can be stated about Lithium:

Lithium is a medication that works in the brain to treat bipolar disorder. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder and acute mania.
Lithium is used for long-term treatment of bipolar disorder.

Do not stop taking lithium even when you feel better. Only your healthcare provider can determine the length of lithium treatment that is right for you.

Missing doses of lithium may increase your risk for a relapse in your mood symptoms.

In order for lithium to work properly, it should be taken every day as ordered by your healthcare provider.

Periodically, your healthcare provider may ask you to provide a blood sample to make sure the appropriate level of medication is in your body and to assess for side effects, such as changes in blood counts.

Lithium is usually taken two to three times per day with food.

If you are taking an extended release form of lithium, it is important to swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew extended release tablets.

While the dose usually ranges from 900–1200 mg/day, your healthcare provider will determine the dose that is right for you based upon your response and your lithium blood level.

Antidepressants

A second type of medication that may be used for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder is antidepressants.  According to nami.org, the following information can be noted about antidepressants for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder:
Many antidepressants may also be useful for treating depression that is mixed with anxiety. Some antidepressants may be useful for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder and OCD, but may require higher doses.

Depression that is part of bipolar disorder requires more careful assessment, as antidepressants may worsen the risk of mania and provide little help for depression associated with bipolar disorder.

Conclusion

To conclude this specific article, two specific types of medications have been noted that are used for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder.  They include but are not limited to Lithium as well as Antidepressants.  If you believe you are experiencing some of the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, consult with your doctor.


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