- Lithium is the first line of treatment in manic depression. Lithium is used as a mood stabilizer and to boost the effects of other medications. It also can reduce psychotic episodes.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are anti-depressants that affect serotonin in the brain. They work by stabilizing this important chemical, therefore reducing related depression. Some of the most common SSRIs are Prozac, Paxil and Lexapro.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) also are used in the treatment of bipolar depression. Norepinephrine is another brain chemical that plays a role in depression and mania. SNRIs increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, thus improving moods. Some of the most popular SNRIs are Effexor, Cymbalta and Pristiq.
- MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, were the first anti-depressants and work by stopping the enzyme monoamine oxidase from metabolizing serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs help keep a stable level of these chemicals in the brain.
- One of the hallmark features of bipolar disorder is mood swings, so part of the treatment includes medications that minimize the severity of these swings. Some of these include Depakote, Tegretol and Risperdal.
- In a severe manic episode, psychosis can occur. Antipsychotic medications are prescribed to reduce or eliminate the auditory and visual hallucinations that patients might experience. Some of the most widely used are Haldon, Thorazine and Seroquel.
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