Bipolar Treatment – Side Effects in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Posted by Charles Kelley
Prescribed medicines used in the treatment of bipolar disorder are effective. However, there are negative effects on the body from bipolar treatment that alarm patients.
According to the FDA, antidepressants are generally safe but some studies suggest that they may have unintentional effects on some people, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It is important to observe patients taking antidepressant drugs closely regardless of age particularly in the first two weeks of treatment for possible side effects. Observe for worsening depression, onset of suicidal thinking or behavior, or any unusual changes in behavior such as sleeplessness, agitation, or withdrawal from normal social functions. The family or caregiver should report any suspicious change in behavior to the patient’ doctor immediately.
If a patient is taking mood-stabilizing drugs like lithium, he can suffer from its common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, mood swings, stuffed or runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms.
Patients taking antipsychotic drugs should refrain from driving because of the following side effects, drowsiness, and dizziness when changing positions, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to the sun, skin rashes and menstrual problems for women.
There are rare cases wherein the long-term use of atypical antipsychotic drugs causes tardive dyskinesia or involuntary muscle movement usually around the mouth. In severe cases, patients only partially recover after stopping the drug.
Studies show that patients taking olanzapine, an antipsychotic drug, develops a tendency to gain weight. Side effects like this may increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease.
A patient who develops side effects from medication during bipolar treatment
must tell his doctor about it immediately so that the doctor may alter the dosage or prescribe a different medicine. Under no circumstance should a patient stop his medication because it may lead to a rebound or a dangerous worsening of his condition.
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