by Amanda Peel

Created on: August 22, 2009

People with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings from overly "high" and irritable to sad and hopeless with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these mood changes. The high periods are called manic episodes and the lows are called depression.

Manic symptoms include racing thoughts, hyperactivity, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, rushed speech, aggression, anger, decreased need for sleep, hyper-sexuality, euphoria, impulsiveness, grandiosity, and increased interest in goal-directed activities. During a manic episode, the person may engage in out of character behavior such as questionable business transactions, risky sexual activity, wasteful spending of money, abnormal or out of character social interaction, or highly vocal arguments that are uncharacteristic of the persons previous behaviors. Sodium affects excitation or mania and lithium affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body. This is why the mood stabilizer lithium is often used to treat, prevent or lessen the intensity of the manic episodes of bipolar disorder.

When you start taking lithium you should call your doctor if you have any of the early signs of lithium poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, vomiting, tremor, muscle weakness, ringing in your ears, lack of coordination or blurred vision. You have to drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking lithium. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather or dehydrated during exercise. I always keep a bottle of water with me no matter what I am doing. You should also tell your doctor if you begin sweating excessively, have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Milder side effects of Lithium include:

mild tremor of the hands
itching skin
lack of coordination
mild nausea
weakness
stomach pain or upset
loss of appetite
thinning or drying of the hair

Other side effects may occur so be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects you experience after beginning the medication. Lithium can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions so be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Take lithium exactly as it was prescribed for you by your doctor. Never take lithium in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Antidepressants are usually used to treat symptoms of depressive states in bipolar disorder. People who take antidepressants often take a mood stabilizer along with it. Most doctors require this because taking only an antidepressant can increase a person's risk of switching to mania.

Symptoms of a depressive state may include:
sadness
anxiety
irritability
loss of energy
uncontrollable crying
change in appetite causing weight loss or gain
increased need for sleep
difficulty making decisions
suicidal thoughts
Although medication is usually the main part of a treatment plan for bipolar disorder there are other things involved too. Therapy is an essential part of dealing with the problems bipolar disorder causes in your life. By working with a therapist, you can learn how to deal with difficult or uncomfortable feelings, manage your stress, regulate your mood and repair your relationships. You also need to carefully regulate your lifestyle to keep symptoms and mood episodes to a minimum. This involves maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and drugs, following an exercise routine and minimizing your stress level.

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