How does medication help a bipolar disorder?

I am considering taking medication I am bipolar, suffer from anxiety, and OCD. But how will medication help? Whats the best to take or stay away from? What are some possible side effects? Will I even feel better?

There are too many medicines to name that will help you.You need to see a psychiatrist so they can find the right formula/combination of medication/therapy as no two PEOPLE will be the same.Like any medication for any medical illness it is trial and error.Best of luck and yes you will feel better in the future.

medications effect a decrease in the severity of the mood swings that those with bipolar disorder suffer from. None of the crazy manic highs or the suicidal lows. The goal in medication therapy is to "level" the mood as much as possible so you can function. Anxiety, and OCD are two entirely separate issues from bipolar disorder and need to be addressed separately....I hope you consult a psychiatrist rather than a general practitioner...the psychiatrist has the experience and knowledge base to be much more effective in diagnostics and treatments for the disorders you mention.

It depends on your body chemistry. I am Bipolar and I take Trileptal to stabilize my mood and it works quite well for me, however it depends on what works for you. The general side effects of Trileptal is dizziness and double vision. Your doctor will walk you through the process and tell you the likely side effects if your meds don't work for you he will ween you off and try another. Here is where I go to look up my meds. http://www.healthsquare.com/

Check out this page for common BiPolar Meds, Hope this helps. http://www.psycheducation.org/depression...

I have a friend with severe bipolar, and she has good days, and bad ones. Do some research on any medication they are going to give you. You do have the right to say yes or no to taking them. My friend was prescribed to high of a dosages, and it would make her sleep all the time. As well I would recommend looking into find a good consular you feel comfortable talking about ever is on your mind. I think that talked about what ever your anxiety's over, may help you to find out maybe it's not that big of a deal. Wish you the best.

My husband took paxil...he was much better as far as mood swings and all around outlook about life....problem is when you stop suddenly taking it......it becomes the bad mood from hell.

The way it works is it balances the chemical imbalance you experience when you are bipolar.


I agree with the 1st answer you need a psychiatrist and not a general practitioner
Go to drugs.com they have a great forum on what meds are good for what ......and people stating pros and cons of different medication.

Good luck :)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2003-sct/2...