Treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy can be a tricky path to undergo. While the doctor does not want to prescribe a medication that could potentially result in a malformed fetus, neither does he want to allow the pregnant bipolar patient to suffer a relapse due to lack of proper medication.

Most psychotropic medications that are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder contain teratogens. Teratogens are harmful pathogens that could negatively affect a child’s development. On the hand, untreated depression or mania during pregnancy has been scientifically linked to low birth weight, early pre term delivery, and dangerous, high risk activities on the part of the bipolar mother that could endanger her or the baby.

There are three primary mood stabilizers that the FDA recommends for bipolar women who are experiencing pregnancy: lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine. All three of these drugs are classified “D”, which means that there is some risk of exposure to teratogens for the fetus; however, the benefits outweigh the risks.

These drugs are primarily thought to increase the fetus’s chances of incurring heart valve damage; however, it is thought this class of drugs will not affect a fetus’s mental development. Another option that a doctor has for treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy is to employ the use of antipsychotics. These Class “C” drugs are often used to treat mania of women because of their sedative properties.

Although they are considered milder than Class D drugs, fetal risk of exposure to teratogens cannot be ruled out. Antidepressants are often used for those with bipolar disorder who lapse into depression during pregnancy. However, because antidepressants do not contain teratogens, they are thought to be significantly safer for a fetus than Class C or D drugs.

A pregnant bipolar patient should consult her doctor for an individualized treatment plan for treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy.

One book that will be helpful for bipolar expectant mothers is Bipolar and Pregnant: How to Manage and Succeed in Planning and Parenting While Living with Manic Depression.

A bipolar mood swing chart is a chart that allows an individual to record information on an individual’s mood, average nightly amount of sleep, and their medications.

Many psychiatrists and psychologists recommend that their patients maintain bipolar mood charts in order to track the severity and frequency of their episodes or to track how effectively a medication is working for an individual. It also allows a person to track, identify, and detect mood swings early on. The first step in creating this mood charting, an individual should begin by starting a journal. Their entries should describe their energy levels and mood status daily. However, a person can also effectively use a wall calendar if they do not wish to record each minute detail.

Quick and accurate notes on a calendar will suffice. Other information that should be included in the journal is a person’s stress levels, their moods, any possible feelings of depressions, and what medications they have taken that day.

A bipolar mood chart should also record a person’s sleeping patterns. An adequate amount of sleep is an essential component of combating bipolar disorder. The amount of hours that a person sleeps a night should be noted, as well as any feelings of sleepiness or crankiness a person feels before going to sleep or upon waking up.

At the end of the month, an individual should write down their monthly numbers for overall moods. Other physical details, such as a person’s weight, should also be written down. Extreme fluctuations in weight and other physical characteristics can be indicative of developing problems. A person should also look at their progress each month. If disturbing patterns or trends are emerging, then he or she should consult their primary care physician immediately. Their doctor will be able to analyze the data further and devise an appropriate course of action.

Bipolar patients may be prescribed at one point or another chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline tablets. Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline can be beneficial to some with bipolar disorder because the drugs treat anxiety and depression.

What is chlordiazepoxide? What is amitriptyline? Amitriptyline falls under the category of tricyclic antidepressants drugs. Chlordiazepoxide, the generic for librium, is under the category of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Here are some benefits and side effects of librium, chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline.

Benefits
Amitriptyline hydrochloride helps balance out chemicals in the brain. This is beneficial to bipolar patients with chemical imbalance.

Chlordiazepoxide also balances chemicals in the brain. It addresses a root cause of anxiety and tension in some bipolar disorder patients.

Both drugs are combined in tablet form. This makes it easy for patients to receive this combination drug.

Side effects
Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline can cause a number of side effects including allergic reaction, facial swelling and hives.

Less serious side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision and constipation.

Serious side effects are pounding or uneven heart rate, chest pain, sweating, nausea, headache and weakness.

There are other side effects that can occur from taking chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline. Get medical help if you experience any of these side effect symptoms.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when treating your bipolar disorder is choosing a therapist or psychiatrist to consult with as your mental health provider. For the best possible outcome for your mental health, be careful to choose a doctor that fits your needs.

Here is how you can choose what mental health provider(s) you’ll need to best treat your bipolar disorder.

There are a number of different types of mental health providers you can choose to visit. You could see a therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The type you choose depends on you and your therapy and medication needs.

When choosing the type of mental health provider you need and when, take a look at your symptoms, your health insurance coverage and if you need medication for your bipolar disorder, which you most likely will as you can experience mood swings ongoing.

Psychiatrist for treating bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, you will have to stabilize your moods with medication. A psychiatric can talk with you about the types of bipolar medications you’ll need to keep your mood disorder in check. A psychiatrist can adjust your bipolar medication dosages accordingly.

Therapist / Psychologist for treating bipolar disorder.  A therapist or psychologist is beneficial for a person with bipolar disorder that needs to discuss problems and situations going on in their every day life, such as work, family and marriage issues. These mental health providers help to get to the root of issues and provide new ways of looking at things. Family and marriage counseling can include the family of the bipolar patient.

Combination of both for bipolar therapy. Some people with bipolar disorder regular see both a psychiatrist and psychologist to meet their mental health needs. The way you schedule your appointments depends on your specific needs and the frequency you feel you need bipolar disorder therapy.

Even if you don’t know at the beginning what type of mental health team you’ll need for your bipolar disorder therapy, you’ll find out what works for you along the way.

It’s been several years since the mood stabilizer drug Seroquel, Quetiapine Fumarate, has been approved to treat bipolar disorder. What is Seroquel? It’s an antipsychotic that treats depressive and manic bipolar episodes.

Seroquel offers long term maintenance of the mood disorder and is used alongside drugs such as lithium, which is discussed in the article The Pros, Cons and Side Effects of Lithium to Treat Bipolar Disorder.

If you are considering using Seroquel to manage and treat your bipolar moods, take a look at this list.  You’ll learn about the positive and negative side effects of using the medication Seroquel to treat bipolar disorder.

Positive side effects

1. Treats both highs and lows of bipolar. The good thing about Seroquel is that is used to manage both bipolar disorder depression and bipolar disorder mania. As a mood stabilizer a bipolar person can get a handle on both ends of the spectrum.

2. Better mood and overall sense of well being. Patients that take Seroquel see the benefits of more sleep, less sadness and better judgment. Seroquel can help a bipolar person feel more in control over how they feel.

3. Taken once a day. While one may not personally desire taking medication daily, Seroquel is only taken once each day. Each dose comes in tablet form.

Negative side effects

1. It can take several weeks to work. Bipolar patients are urged to be patient when starting Seroquel medication as it can take several weeks to fully stabilizer a person.

2. Seroquel has some common negative side effects. These side effects are dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.

3. Could increase cholesterol. Some bipolar patients taking Seroquel have reported a rise in cholesterol levels, triglycerides as well as weight gain.

4. Seroquel can lead to high blood pressure. Some have reported high blood sugar and diabetes with Seroquel XR, Seroquel and similar medications. Bipolar patients with diabetes, risk of diabetes and obesity should ask that a doctor check blood sugar levels before starting treatment with Seroquel. Some symptoms to look for regarding high blood sugar or diabetes are excessive thirst or hunger, weakness, increased urination.

There are rare, but potentially fatal side effects. Things to look for are high fever, sweating, change in heart rate or pulse as well as confusion and shaking. Muscle pain can also occur.

As with any bipolar disorder medication, consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these negative Seroquel side effects.

Abilify, Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication often prescribed to treat mania and manic episodes in bipolar disorder. This drug is also used to treat schizophrenia. It has its positive and negative side effects.

If your doctor suggests that you take Abilify, you may have a few questions on the side effects —positive and negative— of taking Abilify for bipolar disorder.

Here’s a list of Abilify side effects:

Positives of Abilify

1. Relief of Manic symptoms. For many bipolar patients that take Abilify, the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder are improved within several days. The relief varies from person to person.

2. Reduces manic relapse. While Abilify is known to relief manic bipolar episodes, it also helps reduce the instance of manic relapse. The bipolar medication also stabilizes manic or mixed moods.

3. Won’t effect cholesterol or blood level. During a clinical trial of Abilify, both those receiving the bipolar medication and the placebo had the same experiences regarding cholesterol and blood level. Therefore it doesn’t play a factor in effecting either.

Negatives of Abilify

1. Sense of restlessness. Bipolar patients taking Abilify may feel an inner sense to move. This is known as akathisia. They can also experience involuntary body movements. This can also lead to the inability to stay asleep.

2. May make one feel sleepy and tired. This medication is known to make a small percentage of bipolar disorder patient feel sleepy. Wait until you know how this medication affects you before you drive or operate hazardous machinery.

3. Can cause weight gain. A very small percentage of people taking Abilify experience a minor gain in weight while on the bipolar medication.

Other Abilify side effects include headache, nausea, constipation and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these side effects as well as a decrease in mood should contact their doctor for analysis and a possible adjustment in dosage.

Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is an anti-anxiety medication from Pfizer. Your doctor may want to prescribe this medication for your bipolar disorder. It is a benzodiazepine sometimes used to alleviate anxiety and sleeping difficulties for bipolar patients.

Here is a list of the positives and negatives of using Xanax, alprazolam, medication for bipolar disorder.

Positives of Xanax

1. Xanax helps with anxiety. Anxiety can coexist with bipolar disorder as mentioned in this previous article: Bipolar Disorder and Panic Attacks. The biggest benefit of taking Xanax is that it is expected to greatly reduce the instances of anxiety in bipolar disorder.

2. Helps bipolar patients sleep. People with bipolar disorder may have difficulty sleeping at times. Taking Xanax as prescribed by a doctor can help a bipolar person get the sleep they need. Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis also reduces irritability.

Negatives, Side Effects of Xanax

1. Xanax can cause clumsiness, drowiness in patients. Clumsiness, drowsiness as well as slurred speech are common symptoms of Xanax medication. You may find that you feel unsteady from taking this bipolar drug. You may also feel drowsy and experience slurred speech while taking this medication.

2. Xanax can cause depression. While it helps with anxiety, some people experience depression while taking this medication.

3. Xanax is not recommended for pregnant women. Doctors advise pregnant women not to take this anti-anxiety medication because of the high risk of birth defects to a fetus. The only way that it can be prescribed to a pregnant woman is if the risk of going without the medication is greater than using it.

Other common side effects of Xanax are dizziness, lightheartedness and slurred speech. Other less common side effects include stomach cramps, changes in sexual desire, increased thirst, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and headache. Check with your doctor if you experience any of these negative side effects while taking this medication.

The drug Lamictal Lamotrigine is often used to treat bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer. There are some benefits to Lamictal, as well a some side effects. You’ll want to be aware of both.

Here’s a list of positives and side effects you’ll find useful if you’re considering taking Lamictal to treat your bipolar disorder. And as always, consult your doctor about the use of bipolar medications.

Benefits of Lamictal:

1. Helps prevent mood swings. For those looking for relief from bipolar depression and bipolar mania, Lamictal can help keep mood swings at bay for longer periods of time. GlaxoSmithKline, the company that produces this bipolar medication, states that 37 percent of patients that received the drug did not need additional bipolar treatment for mood episodes over a course of a year.

2. Lamictal boasts long-term stability. You may want to consider Lamictal if you’re looking for a long-term bipolar medication solution since there is currently no cure for bipolar disorder.

3. No blood monitoring needed. Since there is not need for blood monitoring with Lamictal, this cuts down on the number of doctors visits needed.

4. Doesn’t cause weight gain. Bipolar patients will not gain weight from taking this bipolar medication. 

Side Effects of Lamictal:

1. Could cause blood or liver problems. There have been numerous reports of blood problems and liver problems with Lamictal. Symptoms of these problems are weakness, fatigue, severe muscle pain, unusual bruising or bleeding and frequent infections.

2. Could cause a rash. Those that experience rash with this bipolar medication may be affected within the first two months of starting Lamictal. A rash may become a serious enough reaction that would require hospitalization. There is no way to tell if this will happen though. A serious rash is more likely to occur in children than in adults.

3. Other side effects of Lamictal are headache, dizziness, sleepiness, vomiting, insomnia, double vision and lack of coordination. If you are currently taking Lamictal medication for bipolar disorder and are experiences these side effects, consult your doctor.

Lithium, a mood stabilizer, is one of the most common medication treatments for bipolar disorder. It helps lessen the frequency and severity of mania. It also helps with bipolar depression.

Here are the pros and cons of taking lithium to treat bipolar disorder:

Pros

1. Lithium stabilizes ones mood. This bipolar disorder medication impacts a person’s central nervous system and helps a bipolar person better control their emotions. This helps slow down the ups and downs of bipolar mania and bipolar depression.

2. Lithium reduces suicide risk. When taken properly, lithium helps reduce suicide risk in a bipolar patient. It also prevents manic episodes. It is a major plus to stick with this medication as prescribed, because the bipolar suicide risk is about 15 percent. Any decrease in suicide risk, the greater chance at survival.

3. Sometimes lithium can be taken alone. For some bipolar patients, a doctor may find that they can use lithium alone as their bipolar medication treatment. This reduced the number of medications one has to worry about taking daily streamlining the treatment process.

Cons

1. Lithium takes one or two weeks to work. One down side to taking lithium to treat bipolar disorder is that it takes a week or two to work its way through the system. If you have been prescribed this medication, continue to take it to give it a chance to work for you.

2. It can affect kidney function. Bipolar disorder patients on lithium treatment will have to take regular blood tests because the medication can affect kidney function. It works best if it remains at a consistent level in the body. A bipolar patient on lithium is also encouraged to drink at least eight glasses of water and to have some regular salt intake.

3. Lithium has its side effects. There are a number of side effects that can result from taking lithium. About 75 of people may experience side effects with some decreasing as the drug works its way throughout the system. These lithium side effects include- diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, hand tremor, increased thirst and urination, poor concentration, muscle weakness, hair loss, drowsiness and decreased thyroid function.

Those that experience side effects from lithium should consult a doctor before changing the dosage. Give the medication some time to work through your system. You may be pleased with how well it works for you to manage your bipolar disorder, or you may not. It is worth a shot.

Lots of people with bipolar disorder have wondered at one point or another- Can bipolar disorder be cured? Will I have bipolar disorder forever? Since the depression and mania episodes in this disease can wreck havoc on a person’s life, they look for a bipolar cure.

While there are a variety of ways to treat and manage manic depression, to date there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. Researchers are working everyday to solving the manic depression puzzle.

Some people have very few mania and depression episodes without treatments, while others have symptoms throughout their lifetime. To be completely free from bipolar symptoms after diagnosis is rare. There are some people that go for extended periods of time feeling well and being symptom-free, but there is always a chance for another mania or depression episode to reoccur. This is why it is wise to maintain treatments despite feeling well. It is better to be cautious. Your health deserves it.

There are some people that claim to be cured or healed from bipolar disorder, but they can not know for sure as they could have an episode at any time in the future. It is best to think that these individuals have learned to manage their disorder in a way that allows them to be symptom-free. You should strive to be symptom-free instead of searching for a miracle bipolar cure. Perhaps one day there will be a break-through cure for bipolar disorder.

Since there is no cure yet for manic depression, it is best to maintain a treatment plan your therapist suggests. This will include medication, counseling and a self-management plan you find works for you.

If you’re looking to live a full life despite your manic depression diagnosis, I would suggest reading The Bipolar Advantage by Tom Wootton. It promises that you’ll look at your life differently.

One way to lessen bipolar manic and depression episodes is to avoid stress. Of course, stressful situations are a part of life, but you can do a number of things to keep it at a minimum. Here are some tips you can use to manage bipolar disorder and stress.

Avoid high-stress situations.If there are situations that you know will bring you stress, such as planning a holiday party or a 12-hour day full of activities, it would be best to avoid doing so. Taking extra precaution to keep your stress levels low should be the number one priority.

Balance your work and personal life. You may have periods of high energy where you want to work a lot and other times where you just want to take it easy. Find a balance and stick with it so it’ll be easier to stabilize you moods. Having a schedule will keep your mind focused. It is also ok to say “no” when you feel as though you’re becoming overworked.

Incorporate relaxation techniques. Even before you start to feel tension, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself calm and relaxed. The last thing you’d want to do is trigger a bipolar episode. These relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

Yoga: One way to center yourself when dealing with bipolar disorder is to practice yoga on a regular basis. Yoga not only has physical benefits, but mental benefits as well. You’ll feel much more in control as you lower your risk for anxiety, stress and depression.

Meditation: You may also find that you benefit from meditation as part of your bipolar disorder treatment. You can think of anything when you’re meditating. One thing you don’t want to think about are your potential stressors. Think of peaceful nature scenes or pray as you meditate. Think of yourself living a healthy, stress-free life and conquering your bipolar disorder.

Deep breathing: Take some quiet time to do some deep breathing. Breath in through the mouth and out through the nose in a steady pace. You’ll feel the stress melt away.

The best bipolar disorder treatment is a combination of medication and counseling sessions. The exact mix of bipolar medication and counseling will vary because bipolar disorder effects people in differently. What works for you may not work for someone else.

Doctors will prescribe one set of drugs to treat the mania symptoms and another set of drugs to treat the depression symptoms. A patient will also receive a mood stabilizer to help maintain a steady mood. One can not take antidepressant drugs alone because it may trigger a manic episode for the depressed person. One example of a mood stabilizer is lithium.

Healthcare professionals have found that most people respond favorably to bipolar medication when taken as prescribed. For others symptoms do not go away even with therapy. However, each end of the mood swing, mania and depression, can lessen and become easier to manage.

For bipolar sufferers that don’t response to traditional therapy or can’t take medications electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a successful method for treating bipolar disorder. ECT works well to treat severe depressive, manic or mixed episodes. It is not a first treatment option.

Treatment during bipolar mania

If you seek a doctor’s help while going through a mania episode, the doctor may prescribe an antipsychotic medication and/or a benzodiazepine. These drugs will work quickly to control some of the bipolar symptoms you might be feeling such as irritability, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. You will also be given a mood stabilizer to prevent mood swings and reduce suicide risk.

Don’t be alarmed if you have to stay in the hospital for a few days while bring your mania under control. This is for your benefit as it helps to reduce your risk for reckless behavior and suicide. It also allows doctors to monitor how you’re responding to treatment.

If the medications do not seem to work for you, the doctor will adjust the drug dosage to find the right balance.

Treatment during bipolar depression

If you need to receiving treatment during a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, this will be more challenging. This is because using an antidepressant alone could cause a manic or hypomanic episode.

Antidepressants can also cause rapid cycling and increased suicidal thoughts. This is why the American Psychiatric Association suggests that doctors use both a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant to treat depressive episodes.

Some bipolar sufferers also try to take the non-drug approach to treating their mood disorder including the use of psychotherapy. Doctors do not feel psychotherapy alone is enough to treat bipolar depression though. Some will only work with patients that are on a medication plan.