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The Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Medications for Mania

From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Examples of Antipsychotics

by Kimberly Read

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
This medication was the first antipsychotic to be approved by the FDA for mania. Research shows it to be as effective as Lithium and it seems to help with mixed episodes. Weight gain is, however, a problem. Read More - Medication Profile

Risperidone (Risperdal)
Risperdal also shows a similar efficacy to Lithium. Research further indicates that as an adjunctive it works well in long-term stability. Again weight gain is often a concern. Read More - Side Effects

Clozapine (Clozaril)
This drug is known for how quickly it works to reduce symptoms. It is also quite successful in helping difficult to treat cases. There is some concern that it may reduce while blood cell count. Read More - Side Effects

Quetiapine (Seroquel)
The use of Seroquel for bipolar disorder is fairly new, but initial studies seem to indicate its utility for acute mania and rapid-cycling. Read More - Side Effects

Ziprasidone (Geodon)
This medication is also only recently being used for bipolar disorder with similar results for acute mania. It demonstrates a tendency for rapid stabilization. Read More - Medication Profile

Updated: July 9, 2006
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