Bipolar Disorder
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Bipolar disorder is a long-term chemical imbalance that causes rapid changes in mood and behavior. High moods are called mania. Low moods are called depression. Sometimes you will feel manic and sometimes you will feel depressed. You can have alternating episodes of mania and depression. This is called a mixed bipolar state.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Contact your healthcare provider or psychiatrist if:
- You are having trouble managing your bipolar disorder.
- You cannot sleep, or are sleeping all the time.
- You cannot eat, or are eating more than usual.
- You feel dizzy or your stomach is upset.
- You cannot make it to your next meeting with your healthcare provider.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given to help keep your mood stable, or to help you sleep. Changes in medicine are often needed as your bipolar disorder changes.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your healthcare provider or psychiatrist as directed:
You may need to return for blood tests to monitor the levels of bipolar medicine in your blood.
Manage bipolar disorder:
Watch for triggers of bipolar disorder symptoms, such as stress. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, to manage your stress. Tell someone if you feel a manic or depressive period might be coming on. Ask a friend or family member to help watch you for bipolar symptoms. Work to develop skills that will help you manage bipolar disorder. You may need to make lifestyle changes. Ask your healthcare provider or psychiatrist for resources.
For support and more information:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6200, MSC 9663
Bethesda , MD 20892-9663
Phone: 1- 301 - 443-4513
Phone: 1- 866 - 615-6464
Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago , IL 60610-7224
Phone: 1- 800 - 826-3632
Web Address: http://www.dbsalliance.org
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Bipolar Disorder
Treatment options
- Medications for Bipolar Disorder
- Medications for Depressive Psychosis
- Medications for Mania
- Medications for Psychosis
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
