The primary method of treatment for bipolar disorder is the use of medication to treat and prevent symptoms. The prescriptions for treatment are usually specific to mania or depression. There are general classes and specific drugs used to manage symptoms of mania and depression.
A treatment plan for bipolar disorder primarily consists of medication and some form of psychological therapy. At times, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary to reach a point of stability safely. There are also treatment options that are less common or considered only in acute situations.
How to Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder treatment often focuses on life adjustments and the problems that increase because of mania or depression; they help the individual recognize the onset of an episode and enable them to take action.
Supportive therapy is needed to help the individual accept the disorder and understand the major impact on life management.
Anyone who has bipolar disorder should be under the care of a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment and a psychologist.
Psychologists provide the individual and their family support, education, coping skills training, symptom monitoring, and support to the individual who will continue treatment. The psychiatrist also monitors the medication required for treatment.
Almost all people with bipolar disorder, even those with the most severe forms, can get considerable stabilization of their mood swings.
One medication, lithium, is usually effective in controlling mania and preventing the reappearance of both mania and depression.
The mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants carbamazepine and valproate have also been found useful, especially in more difficult-to-treat bipolar episodes. Often these medications are combined with lithium for optimal effect.
Celexa Side Effects and Bipolar Disorder
Celexa is an antidepressant medication used to treat bipolar disorder. It affects the brain’s neurotransmitters (nerves dealing with communication) and how they affect the surrounding nerves.
The research stated that neurotransmitter imbalance causes depression and possibly mania. Celexa is in a class known as SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: adverse reactions can include: confusion, high blood pressure, tremors, and hyperactivity.
Side Effects
Celexa, like all other drugs, can have a variety of side effects. At least 10% of patients have these side effects:
- Fatigue
- Dry Mouth
- Increased sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Trembling
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sleep Disturbances
- Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Blood Pressure changes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heightened Anorgasmia in females
- Impotence and ejaculatory problems in males
Some people have reported allergic reactions, convulsions, mood changes, anxiety, and confusion, as well as bruxism (teeth grinding).
As the patient is tapered off of Celexa, there have been reports of minor electric shocks in the upper body and hands due to chemical changes in the brain.
One widespread side effect of using Celexa is sexual side effects for men and women. This is reversible but can last long term, even after the drug has stopped.
Some patients report panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm in the first few weeks that they use the drug. This is often before the antidepressant begins to work.
The symptoms of Celexa overdose include amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and vomiting.
Safety and Withdrawal
Discontinuation or withdrawal symptoms have been reported with the commencing of treatment. When Celexa is withdrawn, the patient will typically experience negative symptoms, regardless of dosage.
Withdrawal symptoms can start in as few as eight hours of the patient missing a dose and then go on up to eight weeks, sometimes even more.
Symptoms include: “dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache, gait instability, and insomnia.” Withdrawal is most common with antidepressants that have a short half-life (the amount of time it takes for half the drug to clear from your body).
Tapering of Celexa therapy in bipolar depression is essential to diminish the occurrence of discontinuation symptoms.
Recommended Book: The Bipolar Disorder Workbook: Powerful Tools and Practical Resources for Bipolar II and Cyclothymia