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Medications for Bipolar Disorder
Jul 23, 2024
Medications for Bipolar Disorder
Lithium (Mood Stabilizer)
Function:
Treats bipolar disorder by influencing neurotransmitter reuptake.
Common Side Effects
GI upset
Fine hand tremors
Polyuria (due to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus)
Weight gain
Kidney toxicity
Electrolyte imbalances
Fatigue
Hypothyroidism
Leukocytosis
Mnemonic: "LITH"
L:
Leukocytosis
I:
Insipidus (diabetes insipidus, polyuria)
T:
Tremors (fine hand tremors, coarse tremors = toxicity)
H:
Hypothyroidism
Black Box Warning
Risk of lithium toxicity
Monitor plasma levels closely (should stay under 1.5 mEq/L)
Signs of Toxicity
Coarse tremors
Confusion
Hypotension
Seizures
Tinnitus
Patient Teaching
Maintain adequate sodium and fluid intake
Avoid diuretics (can lead to sodium and water loss)
Avoid anticholinergics
Avoid NSAIDs (risk of kidney toxicity)
Contraindicated in patients with renal disease
Anticonvulsants for Bipolar Disorder
Common Medications
Carbamazepine
Valproic Acid
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Side Effects
Blood dyscrasias (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)
Vision issues
Hypo-osmolarity (due to SIADH causing water retention)
Serious skin rashes
Black Box Warning
Anemia
Serious skin rashes
Leukopenia
Monitoring
CBC levels (due to blood dyscrasias)
Signs of infection (due to leukopenia)
Valproic Acid
Side Effects
Hepatotoxicity
Pancreatitis
GI upset
Thrombocytopenia
Black Box Warning
Hepatotoxicity
Pancreatitis
Neural tube defects in developing fetuses
Monitoring
Liver function (AST, ALT, bilirubin levels)
Lamotrigine
Side Effects
Dizziness
GI upset
Photosensitivity
Rash
Black Box Warning
Serious skin rashes
Next Topic
Medications used to treat psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.
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