Question

What is the drug of choice to treat patients with bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

The following medications are used to treat bipolar disorder:

• 1. Mood stabilizers
• 2. Antipsychotics
• 3. Antidepressants
• 4. Antianxiety medications

Commonly prescribed with one or more medications based on the type of bipolar disorder level, persisting symptoms.

People with bipolar-I or bipolar-II need mood stabilizers to control their manic or hypomanic episodes. Doctor prescribe one of the mood stabilizers like Depakote (divalproex sodium), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Lithobid (lithium), Tegretol (carbamazepine).

Antipsychotic drugs also used to control depression or mania, especially when delusions or hallucinations are occurring. Drugs like Abilify (aripiprazole), Saphris (asenapine), Latuda (lurasidone), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone) and Fluphenazine used.

An antidepressant also used to manage depression, along with a mood stabilizer or an antipsychotic. The drug Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine), for example, combines the antipsychotic olanzapine with the antidepressant fluoxetine. Benzodiazepine another type of antianxiety medication to relieve anxiety or improve sleep. Benzodiazepines are typically used for short-term treatment, while mood stabilizers and the other medicines listed are given for longer periods of time.