FDA Approved Medications for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects over 10 million people in the United States alone. The FDA has approved a number of medications to treat this condition, though combining drug therapy with psychotherapy is recommended to most effectively treat this chronic illness.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

• Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is characterized by severe shifts in mood, from intense depression to an elevated, manic state. These mood swings are much more extreme than normal emotional ups and downs.

Lithium

• Lithium was approved by the FDA in the 1970s, making it one of the oldest approved treatments for bipolar disorder. It is a mood stabilizer, controlling mania while also preventing the recurrence of future episodes. Side effects may include weight gain, hypothyroidism, memory problems and hair loss.

Depakote

• Depakote, an anti-convulsant, became a widely used alternative to lithium when it gained FDA approval for treatment of bipolar disorder in 1995. It is often more effective in treating rapidly cycling bipolar conditions, dysphoric mania and associated substance abuse. Side effects include weight gain and gastrointestinal problems.

Antipsychotics

• Antipsychotic medication is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with an anti-convulsant to treat acute episodes. FDA approval has been given to Zyprexa and Risperdal for this purpose.

Other Medication

• Other FDA approved drugs used to treat bipolar disorder include Tegretol, Seroquel, Geodon, Abilify, Symbyax and Lamictal. Depending on the type and severity of the condition as well as other factors, a doctor will prescribe one or a combination of these medications.