The Importance of Bipolar Medication

Many patients decide that bipolar medication is not right for them. Unfortunately, they decide this without consulting their doctor or mental health professional. This is dangerous for the person suffering from bipolar disorder.

A doctor will prescribe bipolar medication for patients who experience either a depressive or manic episode. Depressive episodes are characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness and guilt. The person is withdrawn and has no interest or energy to participate in activities they once loved. Manic symptoms are characterized by a high energy level, high self confidence and risky or reckless activities.

Bipolar medication can decrease manic and depressive episodes and help patients function normally. Some patients are not prescribed the bipolar medication that works best for them initially. A doctor can help bipolar patients find the right balance of bipolar medication that will stabilize a patient's symptoms. Bipolar medication is not a cure-all but with psychotherapy and other treatments it can help.

The bipolar medication prescribed may be determined by where the patient is in the '"cycle." Antidepressants are often used when patients are in the depressed state. But for bipolar patients, an antidepressant is rarely used alone. A mood stabilizer may also be used to help control mania symptoms.

Lithium is the most common bipolar medication. A mood stabilizer, lithium was first used more than 50 years ago and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1970. Even though lithium is often used to treat bipolar patients, doctors do not believe that bipolar disease is caused by a lithium deficiency.

Anti-psychotic drugs may be prescribed as a bipolar medication for patients who are in the manic phase. This bipolar medication is particularly helpful for patients who are suffering from bipolar psychosis and are experiencing delusions or hallucinations.

When bipolar medication is not effective, many doctors recommend electroconvulsive therapy or ECT. Also known as 'shock' therapy, it is used only as a last resort.

Many people don't want to take their bipolar medication because of the stigma attached to mental illness. Bipolar disorder is a condition recognized by the American Medical Association. It is not a sign that a person is a 'crazy' or 'bad' person. Bipolar medication can help stabilize the symptoms that made the person unstable.

Patients often stop taking their bipolar medication when they begin to feel better. But their new positive sense of well-being is often just a sign that the bipolar medication is working. Discontinuing their bipolar medication could cause the symptoms of bipolar disease to reappear or get worse.

Many patients discontinue their bipolar medication and believe they can treat their symptoms themselves by proper diet, exercise and sleep. Often, this doesn't work and symptoms return.

Many patients say they don't want to take bipolar medication for the rest of their lives. Or they may disagree with the treatment. Bipolar disease often affects a person's judgment which cause these feelings. Uncomfortable side effects such as weight gain or tiredness are often temporary and should not be a reason to discontinue the use of bipolar medication.

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More Bipolar Information

Bipolar Disorder--What It Is And How To Recognize It

Are They Mood Swings Or A Bipolar Symptom?

The Importance of Bipolar Medication

What Does It Mean To Be Bipolar?

Not Just "Crazy"- The Story Behind Bipolar Disease

Bipolar Depression-It's Not Just The Blues