Bipolar disorder — what to watch for and how to treat it

Bipolar disorder flips mood between highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Highs can bring racing thoughts, less sleep, risky choices. Lows bring deep sadness, low energy, and trouble concentrating. If mood swings last days or weeks and affect work or relationships, see a mental health professional for a clear diagnosis.

Diagnosis relies on history and patterns, not a single test. Doctors ask about how long symptoms last, whether there’s risky behavior, and any family history. Track your mood for a few weeks — that simple habit helps clinicians spot patterns faster.

Common medicines and what to watch for

Mood stabilizers are the backbone of bipolar care. Lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine are commonly used. Antipsychotics (like quetiapine) help during severe mania or mixed episodes. Antidepressants may be added carefully because they can trigger mania in some people.

Each drug has pros and downsides. Lithium lowers suicide risk but needs regular blood tests for levels and kidney checks. Valproate works fast for mania but is unsafe in pregnancy and requires liver tests. Lamotrigine helps more with depression than mania and is often chosen for maintenance — if you’re curious about other options, read our Top 5 Alternatives to Lamotrigine.

Watch for interactions. Over-the-counter cold meds or antihistamines can interact with old antidepressants like imipramine and cause problems. See our piece on OTC drugs that interact with imipramine for concrete examples and symptoms to watch for.

Practical tips that actually help

Keep a steady sleep schedule — sleep loss can trigger mania. Use a simple mood chart or app and share it with your doctor. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs; they make mood swings worse and interfere with meds.

Talk therapy helps. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family therapy reduce relapse and improve coping. If you’re struggling with medication side effects, don’t stop suddenly. Call your prescriber — many side effects can be managed by dose changes or switching drugs.

If you’re researching meds online, be careful buying from pharmacies you don’t trust. Our site has guides about safe online pharmacies and buying meds securely. For questions about specific antidepressants used in bipolar care, our article on Prozac offers clear, practical info: Prozac: surprising facts and tips.

Finally, build a support plan. Share emergency contacts with friends or family, keep a list of your meds and dosages, and schedule regular check-ins with your clinician. With the right meds, monitoring, and routine, most people with bipolar disorder lead steady, productive lives.