Antipsychotic medications are used to counter some of the more intense symptoms that can occur during severe episodes of either mania or depression, including hallucinations or delusions. Even when these severe psychotic symptoms are not present, antipsychotic medications may be used to treat the symptoms of depression, insomnia, anxiety or agitation that can sometimes accompany bipolar disorder. They may be used alone or in combination with mood stabilizers.
Depending upon the type of antipsychotic, side effects may include:
- Muscle stiffness
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Changes in sugar and/or lipid levels in the blood
When considering the role of medications in the treatment of bipolar disorder, it is important to note that, over the course of treatment, patients with bipolar disorder commonly require adjustments or substitutions to their medication plan. Although treatment regimens may show positive results initially, patients should expect that they may need to be revised over time. That's why it's important that patients take an active role in their treatment plans.
Antipsychotics used to treat people with bipolar disorder include:
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa), which helps people with severe or psychotic depression, which often is accompanied by a break with reality, hallucinations, or delusions
- Aripiprazole (Abilify), which can be taken as a pill or as a shot
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Clozapine (Clorazil), which is often used for people who do not respond to lithium or anticonvulsants. (NIMH)
Sources
The content for Antipsychotics was provided by the following NNDC sites unless otherwise specified above: