BIPOLAR MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS

Side Effects Reported for Bipolar Medications

Before starting a new medication, people with bipolar disorder should talk to their doctor about the possible risks and benefits. The psychiatrist prescribing the medication or pharmacist can also answer questions about side effects. Over the last decade, treatments have improved, and some medications now have fewer or more tolerable side effects than earlier treatments. However, everyone responds differently to medications. In some cases, side effects may not appear until a person has taken a medication for some time.

If the person with bipolar disorder develops any severe side effects from a medication, he or she should talk to the doctor who prescribed it as soon as possible. The doctor may change the dose or prescribe a different medication. People being treated for bipolar disorder should not stop taking a medication without talking to a doctor first. Suddenly stopping a medication may lead to “rebound,” or worsening of bipolar disorder symptoms. Other uncomfortable or potentially dangerous withdrawal effects are also possible.

The following sections describe some common side effects of the different types of medications used to treat bipolar disorder.

1. Mood Stabilizers - In some cases, lithium can cause side effects such as:
   Restlessness; Dry mouth; Bloating or indigestion; Acne; Unusual discomfort to cold temperatures; Joint or muscle pain; Brittle nails or hair.
   
   Lithium also causes side effects not listed here. If extremely bothersome or unusual side effects occur, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If a person with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium, it is important to make regular visits to the treating doctor. The doctor needs to check the levels of lithium in the person’s blood, as well as kidney and thyroid function.
   
   Common side effects of other mood stabilizing medications include:
   Drowsiness; Dizziness; Headache; Diarrhea; Constipation; Heartburn;
   Mood swings; Stuffed or runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms.
2. Atypical Antipsychotics - Some people have side effects when they start taking atypical antipsychotics. Most side effects go away after a few days and often can be managed successfully. People who are taking antipsychotics should not drive until they adjust to their new medication.
   
   Side effects of many antipsychotics include:
   Drowsiness; Dizziness when changing positions; Blurred vision; Rapid heartbeat; Sensitivity to the sun; Skin rashes; Menstrual problems for women.
   
   Atypical antipsychotic medications can cause major weight gain and changes in
   a person’s metabolism. This may increase a person’s risk of getting diabetes and high cholesterol. A person’s weight, glucose levels, and lipid levels should be monitored regularly by a doctor while taking these medications. In rare cases, long-term use of atypical antipsychotic drugs may lead to a condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). The condition causes muscle movements that commonly occur around the mouth. A person with TD cannot control these moments. TD can range from mild to severe, and it cannot always be cured. Some people with TD recover partially or fully after they stop taking the drug.
3. Antidepressants - The antidepressants most commonly prescribed for treating symptoms of bipolar disorder can also cause mild side effects that usually do not last long.
   These can include:
   Headache, which usually goes away within a few days.
   Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), which usually goes away within a few days.
   Sleep problems, such as sleeplessness or drowsiness. This may happen during the first few weeks but then go away. To help lessen these effects, sometimes the medication dose can be reduced, or the time of day it is taken can be changed.
   Agitation (feeling jittery).
   Sexual problems, which can affect both men and women. These include reduced sex drive and problems having and enjoying sex.
   
   Some antidepressants are more likely to cause certain side effects than other types. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions about these medications. Any unusual reactions or side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.

More Information About Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar Disorder - Treatment Issues and Early Detection
• Bipolar Disorder - Resources
• Bipolar Disorder is Manic Depression
• Overview of Medication for Bipolar Disorder
• Detailed Information About Bipolar Medications
• Precautions Regarding Antimanic Medications
• FDA Warning About Antidepressant Medications
• Side Effects of Medication for Bipolar Disorder
• Psychotherapy to Treat Bipolar Disorder