Antipsychotics. If symptoms of depression or mania persist in spite of treatment with other medications, adding an antipsychotic drug such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel), aripiprazole (Abilify), ziprasidone (Geodon), lurasidone (Latuda) or asenapine (Saphris) may help.

Antidepressants Used for Bipolar Disorder The ISBD Task Force recommends that doctors prescribe these antidepressant types first to treat bipolar disorder: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),such asCelexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. Bupropion,such as Wellbutrin.

Interactions between your drugs Using lithium together with divalproex sodium may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

Antidepressants can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If antidepressants are used at all, they should be combined with a mood stabilizer such as lithium or valproic acid. Taking an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer is likely to trigger a manic episode.

10 Alternative Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

1. Fish oil.
2. Rhodiola rosea.
3. S-adenosylmethione.
4. N-acetylcysteine.
5. Choline.
6. Inositol.
7. St. John’s wort.
8. Calming techniques.

10 Tips for Overcoming Bipolar Disorder

1. Be An Active Participant In Your Treatment.
2. Go To Therapy.
3. Closely Observe Your Mood and Symptoms.
4. Don’t Isolate Yourself.
5. Develop a Routine.
6. Focus on Diet and Exercise.
7. Reduce Your Stress.
8. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol.

Avoiding too much caffeine may be helpful for getting good sleep, which is especially important for people with bipolar disorder. When someone with bipolar disorder is feeling depressed, extra caffeine may temporarily cause a boost in energy, and possibly mood. The problem is that caffeine can disrupt sleep.

Here are 10 steps you can take to help someone with bipolar disorder:

1. Educate yourself. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you’ll be able to help.
2. Listen.
3. Be a champion.
4. Be active in their treatment.
5. Make a plan.
6. Support, don’t push.
7. Be understanding.
8. Don’t neglect yourself.

Experts say work can be helpful for people living with bipolar disorder. Working in a supportive environment can give you a sense of structure and purpose. Moreover, it can reduce feelings of depression and build your confidence.

Although CBD was ineffective for bipolar mania, its possible efficacy as an antidepressant should be assessed in studies focused on bipolar depression. Nabiximols has been helpful in cannabis-related disorder and Tourette syndrome, owing to the synergetic benefits of CBD and THC.