Bipolar Disorder Medicines—
How Do They Work?

Bipolar disorder can be effectively managed. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to help control your moods and help you feel better. Follow your doctor's instructions to help get the most from the medicines you take. The most common types of medicine used to manage symptoms of bipolar disorder are listed below.

Mood stabilizers

• May be used to relieve episodes of mania and depression and help prevent future mood episodes.
• May be used alone or with other medicines for treating bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotics

• May be used to treat acute manic or depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
• May be used alone or with other medicines for treating bipolar disorder.

Antidepressants

• May be used with mood stabilizers in people with episodes of depression.
• If used alone, antidepressants may increase the chances of a person with bipolar disorder switching into mania.

Fill out the Medicine Chart with the help of your doctor or pharmacist.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Another treatment option for bipolar disorder is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This therapy can be very valuable for people who respond poorly to medicines or for people who are very ill. ECT can be highly effective in severe mania or depression.

My medicine gives me side effects.
Should I stop taking it?

• Side effects are common to all medicines. Tell your doctor about any side effects you may have. Partner with your doctor to manage side effects:
  
  
• Your doctor may change the dose of your medicine or give you another medicine to help reduce side effects.
• If side effects continue, your doctor may change your treatment.
  
  
• Never stop taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor. Only your doctor should change your medicine or the dose you take.

I feel great. Do I need to keep taking my medicine?

• Keep taking your medicine as directed to help prevent symptoms from coming back. Your medicine may be one of the reasons you feel better.
• During stable periods, consider making a list of early warning signs of mania or depression. Consider sharing this list with your doctor, trusted family members, and friends.

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