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Medical Treatment Recommendations​

Bipolar medications help stabilize mood swings, reducing episodes of mania and depression. Common options include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
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The following article provides general advice and should not be used for following specific actions. Please consult a licensed health professional when starting to change your medication.
Bipolar disorder (BPD) involves altered emotional states, or mood episodes, and can require medication. Depressive episodes involve intense sadness or loss of joy or pleasure. Manic/hypomanic episodes involve extremely happy or irritable moods. Mixed states where one experiences manic and depressive symptoms are also common. Medication treatment can play an important role in regaining and maintaining balance; however, it is up to the individual to define balance and determine if they want medication to be a part of their life in the long term.
Accurate medication for Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar disorder has three main forms: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. With the right diagnosis and treatment, people with bipolar disorder can thrive with medication and the longitudinal care provided by BP Harmony.
A variety of medications can be used to treat bipolar disorder. Medication has varying effects on different people. Some clients recover in less than a month, while others take many years. Here are the three major classes of medication used to minimize the BPD symptoms:
Mood Stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder.
Mood stabilizers are for long-term use. They prevent relapses and delay mood episodes. They are also used to treat manic, hypomanic, and mixed episodes. A few weeks may pass before some mood stabilizers start to work. In severe cases, a different medication may be needed until the mood stabilizer works. Mania is usually treated with a mood stabilizer with Lithium dominating the mood stabilizer sphere in terms of usage.

Lithium carbonate and valproic acid are the most widely used drugs for bipolar disorder treatment. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has been demonstrated to be a beneficial mood stabilizer in avoiding depression and, to a lesser extent, mania or hypomania. Valproic acid helps treat the manic or mixed phases of bipolar disorder, along with carbamazepine. Newer drugs like Lamotrigine are used when traditional medications are insufficient. Other antiepileptic drugs like gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, or topiramate are experimental treatments. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with lithium to control symptoms.

Following is the list of mood stabilizers that will help you improve your mood.

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

  • Lithium Compounds

  • Olanzapine

  • Quetiapine

Typical side effects: Lethargy, diarrhea, nausea, frequent urination, tremor, and weight gain.

Essential Antidepressants for Bipolar Disorder.
In cases of bipolar disorder, long-term antidepressant medication is typically advised only if the initial reaction is distinct and there are no mania or hypomania symptoms present or developing.The most typical ones are: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs; The Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) sold by Tricycle Bupropion (exclusively available in the USA).

Certain antidepressants, whether used on their own or in conjunction with other medications, have the potential to precipitate a manic episode or accelerate the cycle between depression and mania. In the depressive stage, antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician. There are various kinds of antidepressants, and they all work in slightly different ways. In most cases, there is no reason to keep taking an antidepressant if it is not evidently helping with bipolar depression. Antidepressant medications frequently prescribed by doctors include:

  • Lumateperone

  • Lithium plus antidepressants.

  • Citalopram
  • Olanzapine
  • Quetiapine

Common Side Effects: Dizziness, Xerostomia, Insomnia, Hyperhidrosis, Rash

Antipsychotics treatment for Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar treatment usually combines a mood-stabilizing drug or atypical antipsychotic. Antipsychotics are the most commonly used type of medication to treat a manic episode. They are divided into groups based on their potential side effects. No medication has a more tolerable side effect, but rather they have different side effects. Newer medications are equally effective in treating bipolar disorder, but all have different side effects that are not necessarily less troublesome than older ones.

Psychiatrists use the wider range of antipsychotics available to suit individual patients. Antipsychotics have been shown to act as mood stabilizers in some cases. Following is the list of Antipsychotics usually prescribed by the doctors in Bipolar Disorder.

  • Haloperidol (Haldol Decanoate)
  • Paliperidone
  • Lumateperone
  • Asenapine

Common Side Effects: Appetite changes, Headaches, Constipation, and Loss of menstrual periods in women.

Conclusion

It is difficult to treat BPD without medication in severe conditions. BPD is more than just a common disease and affects globally. Bipolar patients need proper medication along with meditation for mental relaxation. It is recommended to visit a mental health expert before utilizing any medication. BPHarmony provides physician partnership to help you navigate your bipolar journey by prescribing accurate medical treatment according to your condition.   
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I recently had the chance to join imran in a few online and in-person training sessions and it was really helpful for me. Imran is knowledgeable, caring and has the unique ability to show the learner how to improve their practice.

PAPA DIALLO

Imran is such a great yoga trainer! I had the opportunity to have some 1:1 sessions with him. He crafted a yoga routine that acommodated my knee pain as well as my beginner level experience with yoga.

H.K

Imran is a gentle soul with a purposeful vision of making a difference in the mental health space. I find his content insightful, engaging and most importantly authentic. Thank you, for your tenacity and for doing the much needed work in this space!

ANDREA MAU

Imran is an exceptionally talented individual. He was able to turn his life around from bipolar disorder. I witnessed his transformation. Based on his results I have also contracted him as my Yoga instructor. He is genuine, sincere, and has a true heart to serve others.

ALI PERVEZ

Imran Ghani's book skillfully combines his Five Pillars—sleep, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and community—to support recovery for those with bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, and other modern challenges. A great resource for well-being.

KEITH KACHTIK

Have More Questions?

How Long Can I Expect To Be In Therapy?

Therapy duration varies based on individual needs and the extent to which bipolar disorder has affected you. Some patients may benefit from short-term therapy, while others may require long- term support. Providing a specific timeframe is difficult, as treatment is tailored to each person.

Can Bipolar Disorder Be Managed Without Medication?

While medication is important in managing bipolar disorder, particularly in moderate to severe cases, there are complementary approaches that can also help. These include lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep and exercise, and mental health activities, such as therapy and stress management techniques.

Is There A BPHarmony Community?

Yes, BPHarmony offers a supportive community where you can connect with peers and others who are managing bipolar disorder. Our eCommunity

What Happens In A Therapy Session?

In our therapy sessions, patients are given a safe, confidential environment to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely. The therapist listens, offers support, and helps guide you through your personal journey toward improved mental health and well-being, without any judgment.

Can I Continue Working While Receiving Treatment?

Yes, many individuals with bipolar disorder continue to work while receiving treatment. Effective management of the condition through therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments can help maintain stability and productivity in the workplace.

What Level Of Confidentiality Can I Expect?

At BPHarmony, we prioritize patient privacy and confidentiality. No information is shared without written consent from the patient, except in cases where there is a legal obligation to do so (such as situations involving risk of harm to the patient or others).
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