Well, it affects approximately two million Americans and it is noted by wild mood swings, extreme highs, the manic phase, and extreme lows in feeling, the depressive part.

There are is also something called “mixed” episodes, which is marked by
behavior which is a mix of both manic and depressive.

What causes it?

Bipolar disorder is currently believed to be brought about by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. The cells that release chemicals known as “neurotransmitters” such as dopamine and serotonin, are believed to be the major factors.

Current theories suggest that when neurotransmitters aren’t working up to par bipolar disorder can onset. Excess dopamine can lead to delusional episodes, while insufficient dopamine can lead to diminished emotion.

The primary treatment for bipolar disorder is drug therapy, and there are a number of prescription remedies that have been developed to combat the illness.

The goal of these medications is to restore balance your behavior and smooth out your mood swings.

Manic behavior can be scary, and proper medication can help control these episodes.

Coupled with psychotherapy and support groups and family support, life can become more normal.

One of the problems encountered by those who suffer from bipolar disorder is tat once they start feeking better, they sometimes get the notion that they are “cured” and no longer need their medication.

You should never stop taking your medication as prescribed without discussing it with your doctor.

There are a slew of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder, and we will list some of them here, alphabetically. As with any medication, consult with your doctor to find what is right for you if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Drugs used known to treat bipolar disorder, in alphabetical order:

Abilify, Adapin, Alprazolam, Amitril, Amitriptyline, Amlodipine, Amoxapine, Anafranil, Apo-Alpzar, Apo-Amitriptyline, Aripiprazole, Asendin, Ativan, Atretol
Aventyl, Benzodiazepines, Bupropion, Calan, Carbamazepine, Carbolith, Celexa, Chlordiazepoxide, Chlorpromazine, Cibalith-S, Cipralex, Citalopram, Clomipramine, Clonazepam, Clopixol, Clozapine, Clozaril, Dalmane, Depakene, Depakote, Desipramine, Desyrel, Diazepam, Divalproex Sodium, Doxepin, Duralith, Effexor, Elavil, Elavil Plus, Endep, Enovil, Epitol, Epival, Escitalopram, Etrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Fluanxol, Fluoxetine, Flupenthixol, Fluphenazine, Flurazepam
Fluvoxamine, Gabapentin, Geodon, Halcion, Haldol, Haloperidol, Imipramine, Isoptin,
Klonopin, Lamictal, Lamotrigine, Levate, Lexapro, Libritabs, Librium, Limbitrol, Limbitrol DS, Lithane, Lithium, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs, Lorazepam, Luvox,
Manerix, Moclobemide, Nardil, Nefazodone, Neurontin, Norpramin, Nortriptyline, Norvasc, Novo-Alprazol, Nu-Alpraz, Oxcarbazepine, Olanzapine, Oxazepam, Pamelor,
Parnate, Paroxetine, Paxil, Permitil, Pertofrane, Phenelzine, Prolixin, Prozac, Rivotril, Serax, Serzone, Sinequan, Symbyax, Tegretol, Thorazine, Tofranil, Topamax, Topiramate, Trazodone, Tranylcypromine, Triavil, Triazolam, Trileptal,
Valium, Valproate, Valproic Acid, Venlafaxine, Verapamil, Wellbutrin, Xanax, Ziprasidone, Zuclopenthixol, Zyban and Zyprexa.

This list is not claimed to be comprehensive not completely accurate, nor is it an endorsement of any of the medications on it. Only your doctor can decide what medication(s) you should be taking if diagnosed with bipolar disorder and drug theraoy is determined to be the correct treatment for you,