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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder involving distinct episodes of mania or hypomania, usually alternating with depression and periods of more stable mood.

Seroquel

Quetiapine

25 · 50 · 100 · 200 · 300mg

Quetiapine film-coated tablets from 25mg to 300mg, used in the management of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. A dibenzothiazepine.

From$0.59/ tabletView

Risperdal

Risperidone

1 · 2 · 3 · 4mg

Risperidone 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 4mg film-coated tablets, used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A benzisoxazole antipsychotic.

From$0.34/ tabletView

Zyprexa

Olanzapine

2.5 · 5 · 7.5 · 10 · 15 · 20mg

Olanzapine tablets in six strengths from 2.5mg to 20mg, used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A 5-HT2 and D2 antagonist.

From$0.45/ tabletView

Risnia

Risperidone

2mg

Risnia is risperidone 2mg tablets for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and persistent aggression in dementia. A 5-HT2 and D2 antagonist.

From$0.56/ tabletView

Lithium Tablets

Lithium

300mg

Lithium 300mg prolonged-release tablets, used in the management of bipolar disorder and recurrent depressive disorder. A mood stabiliser needing blood tests.

From$0.59/ tabletView

Geodon

Ziprasidone

20 · 40 · 80mg

Ziprasidone 20mg, 40mg and 80mg hard capsules, used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A D2 and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist.

From$0.68/ tabletView

Lamictal

Lamotrigine

25 · 50 · 100 · 200mg

Lamotrigine 25mg to 200mg, as plain and dispersible tablets, used in the management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels.

From$0.86/ tabletView

Depakote

Valproic Acid

125 · 250 · 500mg

Valproic acid 125mg, 250mg and 500mg gastro-resistant tablets, used in the management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. GABA levels rise under it.

From$0.28/ tabletView

Valparin

Valproic Acid

250 · 500 · 750mg

Valparin is valproic acid 250mg, 500mg and 750mg tablets for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine prophylaxis. GABA rises, sodium channels close.

From$3.06/ tabletView

Depakene

Valproic Acid

250 · 750mg

Valproic acid 250mg and 750mg soft capsules, used in the management of epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine prophylaxis. It raises GABA in the brain.

From$2.13/ capsuleView

Divalproex Tablets

Divalproex

125 · 250 · 500mg

Divalproex 125mg, 250mg and 500mg prolonged-release tablets, used in the management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Sodium valproate with valproic acid.

From$0.28/ tabletView

Key points

  • Reduced need for sleep, increased energy, rapid speech, grandiosity and risky behaviour distinguish mania from ordinary mood variation.
  • Treatment differs for acute mania, bipolar depression and long-term relapse prevention; one medicine does not suit every phase.
  • Antidepressant treatment without mood-stabilising oversight can worsen switching or cycling in susceptible people.

The listings below are not a diagnosis or personal regimen; pregnancy, kidney and liver health, metabolic risk and episode type affect selection.

Defining the episode

Clinicians establish duration, severity, impairment and any psychosis, and assess substance use, thyroid disease, ADHD and unipolar depression as alternatives or coexisting conditions. Mixed features combine activation with depressive symptoms and can carry high risk.

Treatment and monitoring

Lithium, valproate, lamotrigine and antipsychotics have different roles across phases and require different laboratory or physical monitoring. Valproate has major pregnancy restrictions; lithium levels are sensitive to dehydration and interacting medicines. Regular sleep, psychoeducation and an early-warning plan complement medicine.

When to seek urgent care

Get urgent help for suicidal thoughts or plans, inability to sleep for several nights with escalating behaviour, psychosis, severe agitation, dangerous spending or driving, inability to meet basic needs or immediate risk to others.

Further reading

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