Bipolar Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes cycles of rapid mood and behavior changes. High moods are called mania. Low moods are called depression. Sometimes you will feel manic and sometimes you will feel depressed. Episodes of mania or depression may last 1 to 2 weeks or longer. You can have mixed symptoms of mania and depression as part of the same episode. This is called a mixed bipolar state.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You think or talk about hurting yourself or someone else.

Call your doctor or therapist or have someone call if:

• You have trouble managing your bipolar disorder.
• Your thoughts change the way you function during the day.
• You cannot sleep, or sleep more than usual.
• You cannot eat, or you eat more than usual.
• You have side effects from your medicines, or they do not help.
• You cannot make it to your next appointment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Lamictal
• Seroquel
• Vraylar
• Abilify
• Abilify Maintena

View more treatment options

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Mood stabilizers control mood swings and may decrease impulsive behavior.
• Antidepressants treat anxiety and depression.
• Anticonvulsants are used to help control seizures. They may also be used to decrease aggressive behavior and control your mood swings.
• Benzodiazepines may be given for a short time to help you feel calmer during manic episodes.
• Antipsychotics help regulate thought and judgment, and may reduce anxiety, paranoia, and hostility.
• 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.

Manage bipolar disorder:

• Take your medicine as directed. Do not stop taking your medicine until you talk with your healthcare provider. Tell your provider if you have any problems with or questions about your medicine. Changes in medicine are often needed as bipolar disorder changes.
• Know the warning signs and get help as soon as possible. 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.
• Create a daily routine. A routine will help balance your mood. The routine should include set times to eat meals, exercise, and do other daily activities. Go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day. Try to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can lower your stress, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. Most providers recommend 30 minutes each day, 5 days a week. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
• Manage your stress. Stress may trigger your symptoms. Learn ways to relax, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Do not use tobacco products, drink alcohol, or use drugs. These substances can all increase your symptoms or make them hard to manage. Substances may also interact with medicines used to treat bipolar disorder. Ask your provider for information if you currently use any of these and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor or psychiatrist as directed:

You may need to return for blood tests to monitor the levels of bipolar medicine in your blood. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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.

Further information

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