Your HCP might prescribe one or more medications to treat your symptoms. These may include:

• Mood stabilizers
  These medications help even out your highs and lows. Some mood stabilizer medications are called anticonvulsants, because they are also used to treat epilepsy.

• Antidepressants
  These medications help lift the symptoms of depression. There are several different classes and types of antidepressants to choose from.

• Antipsychotics
  These medications are primarily used to treat symptoms of mania. Even if you are not hallucinating or having delusions, these medications can help slow racing thoughts to a manageable speed.

For more detailed information on the types of medications available, click here. 

Questions to ask your HCP about your Medication or Treatment

• How does this treatment work in my brain? What chemicals or processes does it work on?

• When will I start to feel some improvement? What symptoms should this treatment relieve?

• What might the side effects of my treatment be? How can I cope with them?

• What are the risks associated with my treatment?

• How can I recognize problems if they happen?

• Is there anything I can do to make this treatment more effective?

• Is this the usual treatment for my illness? If not, how did you choose it?

• What is our next step if this treatment is not effective?

• How will this treatment affect the treatments I’m receiving for other illnesses?

• How can I reach you in an emergency?

For a list of more questions to ask your doctor, click here.

Other helpful information

Learn about SSRI's and children.

Need help paying for your medications? Learn about Patient Assistance Programs.