Medications to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Among the many psychiatric disorders that can affect man, bipolar disorder is one of the hardest and most severe. A person suffering from this disorder can feel mania and intense energy, creativity and imagination at one time, and suddenly shift to feelings of severe depression and thoughts of suicide. The person can shift from one extreme emotion to the opposite at any given time. Through psychiatric counseling and medications, this disorder can be treated but is a little expensive to treat. Prices of pills for this disorder can range from $15 and above and these pills need to be taken daily.
Psychiatrists usually give various medications to treat bipolar disorder. These medications are the only way that the symptoms can be relieved. It will help stabilize your mood and calm yourself, thus preventing the recurrence of the disorder. There are mainly four types of drugs administered to people who are suffering from bipolar disorder. These are the anti-psychotics, anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, and lithium.
People who have first been diagnosed with bipolar disease have used Lithium as their first drug of choice. Lithium helps control the mania that is associated with the disorder. Since it is not toxic, people can use it for a long period of time, as long as they still have the disorder. But be careful when taking it in huge amounts because this drug is extremely toxic in large amounts. If you want to use Lithium, be informed that you need to undergo a lot of blood tests to monitor its effects on your body. Lithium can also be used with other drugs such as anti psychotics and sedatives to help you control other symptoms. Just be sure you follow your doctor’s orders and take it in prescribed amounts.
Anti-convulsants will help anyone suffering from bipolar disorder to control any convulsions that are a part of the disorder. If you are looking for medications to help ease the convulsions, you may try asking your doctor about Lamictal, Neurontin, Tegretol, Felbatol, and Topamox. If you want to be safe, you can ask your doctor to prescribe the right medicine for you. These drugs will take away the convulsions to help you stay calm. For instance, Lamicital is used to prevent the recurrence of episodes of bipolar disorder so you may have lesser mood swings.
Anti-depressants are also part of the medication for bipolar disorder, so be sure you are familiar with this type of medication. Widely used medications include Tricyclic, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Valium, and Atvian. Valium and Atvian are very addictive so be careful whenever you take these drugs. Taking them may require frequent monitoring so you will not get addicted. Tranquilizers can also be a part of your medications to prevent hallucinations and delusions.
More research is being made towards the discovery of new medicine for people suffering from bipolar disorder. If you are one of these people, do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately. Although these medications are a bit expensive, they can surely help you on your way to recovery. Remember never to take medications on your own; please ask your doctor what is best for you.
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