What's a list of the most effective medications for Bipolar Disorder?

Also, a list of the ones with the fewest side effects...?

No one could do that for you, because everyone reacts differently to meds, both with being effective and side effects. For one person lithium is a miracle drug with few side effects, for another it will do little or have intolerable side effects. Same with any drug. You have to find the one that works best for you. Also effectiveness can change over time too.

If there was any med that universally worked best and had least side effects, thats what every one would be on.

You need to sit down with your psychiatrist and talk to him/her. I just sat with mine. We have had wonderful success with Wellbutrin, and Topomax (which is usually not used for people with bipolar). We tried Lamictal, wihch my best friend takes with NO side effects, and I have just had a SEVERE reaction! As JG said, some meds work wonders for some people, as Wellbutrin does for me (my best friend has side effects from it) and for others they have horrible side effects. Its unfortunately, a trial and error game that you have to work on with your psychiatrist, and you have to be willing to watch closely!! And let your psychiatrist know everything! And some side effects you may have to decide if they are worth the benefits you may get. (For example, the topomax gives me "tingly" fingers, but for me, that WAY outweighs the benefits I get, since that is my only side effect!) Best answer: Talk with your psychiatrist.

Well it has a lot to do with luck, but there are medications which are stronger than others and ones with fewer side effects. I'll give you some examples:

Lamictal - This ought to be your first choice for dealing with bipolar type 1 depression, and I think it's the only medication actually approved for that. If it doesn't work then you may have to go to antidepressants, which can trigger manic episodes. I take this. It made me fall asleep after taking it and made my eye twitch for a couple months. I don't have side effects any more though. It probably won't work if you have type 2 bipolar disorder.

Risperdal - I take this and I say pretty much what other people say. Very effective and few side effects. It does make me tired, though, so I take it at night.

Seroquel - Mildest antipsychotic. Very good anti-anxiety effects. If you're mania isn't too bad but you have serious problems with anxiety this might be a good choice.

Effexor - Had a girlfriend who took this at one point in her life. Horrendous side effects and withdrawal. Personally, I would never take this one even if my psychiatrist told me to.

Zyprexa, Depakote - Really bad side effects.

Klonopin - Most likely to be prescribed if you're bipolar.

It's different in every person, though. Depending on how bad your disorder is, you may have to cycle through a ton of them. Get ready for a lot of side effects no matter what. There's not really any way to make a list of medications like you want.

I highly recommend you check out any medication you take on this site: www.crazymeds.us . Also read forums, look at sites where people comment on medications, etc. You can learn a lot.

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