Mood stabilizers

• Mood stabilizers are the primary medication used to treat bipolar. Lithium, which has been used effectively for 30 years, and anticonvulsants like valproate and carbamazepine have mood-stabilizing effects.
  
  

Antipsychotics

• Clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine and ziprasidone are sometimes used to treat bipolar. These medications can be used along with mood stabilizers or in place of mood stabilizers.
  
  

Insomnia

• Bipolar patients can suffer from insomnia and clonazepam or lorazepam is prescribed. These medications are habit-forming and are best prescribed for short-term use.
  
  

Antidepressants

• Antidepressants are sometimes used for bipolar depression or anxiety. Antidepressants should never be used without a mood stabilizer because antidepressants used alone can trigger manic episodes.
  
  

Time Frame

• Because of the changing moods with bipolar, adjustments or changes to medication are often needed at various times during the course of treatment. Medications should never be stopped without consulting your doctor.
  
  

Severe side effects

• If you experience suicidal thoughts, severe agitation or worsening of symptoms while taking any of these medications you need to contact your doctor immediately. Physical symptoms such as overheating or dehydration, seizures, chest pain, shortness of breath or severe skin reactions should be reported to your doctor.