Medications for Depression and Bipolar Disorder

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.

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?

Other helpful information 

Learn about SSRI's and children.

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