Lithium is a long-term treatment for episodes of mania and depression. In the UK, lithium is the main medicine used to treat bipolar disorder. If you have to stop taking lithium for any reason, talk to your GP about taking an antipsychotic or valproate instead. If your GP or psychiatrist recommends you stop taking bipolar disorder medicine, the dose should be gradually reduced over at least 4 weeks, and up to 3 months if you're taking an antipsychotic or lithium. Most guidelines suggest depression in bipolar disorder can be treated with just a mood stabiliser.īut antidepressants are commonly used alongside a mood stabiliser or antipsychotic. If you're not, they'll change it.Įpisodes of depression are treated slightly differently in bipolar disorder, as taking antidepressants alone may lead to a relapse. If you're already taking medicine for bipolar disorder and you develop depression, your GP will check you're taking the correct dose. These are commonly called mood stabilisers and include: Several medicines are available to help stabilise mood swings. In some circumstances, you could have treatment in a day hospital and return home at night. Most people with bipolar disorder can receive most of their treatment without having to stay in hospital.īut hospital treatment may be needed if your symptoms are severe or you're being treated under the Mental Health Act, as there's a danger you may self-harm or hurt others.
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