What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (BPD), formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, is a complex recurrent mood disorder that causes extreme mood shifts. BPD not only affects a person’s mood, but also one’s energy, thought processes, and functioning across all life domains. The illness affects men and women about equally. Bipolar disorder (BPD) usually emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Often a person experiences milder symptoms before experiencing an acute manic or depressive episode. Proper treatment can minimize symptoms. 0251659264The overall goal in treating BPD is to balance the mood. However, bipolar disorder is considered a lifelong, chronic condition. Recurrences of acute mood swings are almost a certainty. Treatment strategies―medications and more―can help avert acute exacerbations
and keep the person in a “maintenance phase.”
Calan verapamil class: calcium channel blocking agents, group IV antiarrhythmics
Catapres clonidine class: antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting
Depakene valproic acid class: fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
Depakote divalproex sodium class: fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
Depakote ER divalproex sodium class: fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
Epitol carbamazepine class: dibenzazepine anticonvulsants
Geodon ziprasidone class: atypical antipsychotics
Keppra levetiracetam class: pyrrolidine anticonvulsants
Klonopin clonazepam class: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines
Lamictal lamotrigine class: triazine anticonvulsants
Latuda lurasidone class: atypical antipsychotics
Risperdal risperidone class: atypical antipsychotics
Saphris asenapine class: atypical antipsychotics
Seroquel quetiapine class: atypical antipsychotics
Seroquel XR quetiapine class: atypical antipsychotics
Tegretol carbamazepine class: dibenzazepine anticonvulsants
Topamax topiramate class: carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants
Trilafon perphenazine class: phenothiazine antiemetics, phenothiazine antipsychotics
Zyprexa olanzapine class: atypical antipsychotics
