How to Deal with Bipolar Medication Side Effects

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1Finding the Right Medication

2Coping with Side Effects

3Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

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Medication for bipolar disorder can be a literal lifesaver – but it doesn’t always feel like it. There are many different types of bipolar medications available, and almost all of them cause side effects. Dealing with issues like brain fog, a dry mouth, or unwanted weight gain is no fun, but it’s usually better than the alternative. Fortunately, most side effects of bipolar medication can be managed. The first step is to work with your doctor to figure out which medications are right for you. Then you can find coping strategies for specific side effects and improve your overall well-being with a healthy lifestyle.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding the Right Medication

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   Keep a log of your mood. When you start taking a new medication, track your emotions and write down any mood swings and other side effects you experience. This information will help your doctor know whether to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different kind of medicine.

   • For instance, you might simply note on a scale of 1 to 10 how you feel each day. Then, bring this log to your doctor’s appointments.
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   Check in with your doctor frequently. You should communicate regularly with your doctor during the first few weeks of taking a new drug. There are many different bipolar medications available, and not all of them work for everybody. You may need to try a number of them before you find the right one for you. Your doctor can help you assess whether your medicine is doing its job or whether you need to try a different one.

   • Be up-front with your doctor, especially if you’re experiencing side effects that make it difficult to carry out day-to-day responsibilities. Describe your symptoms in detail. For instance, instead of saying “I’ve been feeling dizzy,” say, “I get dizzy every time I stand up, and it’s making it hard to function at work.”
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   Be patient. Many medications produce strong side effects during the first few weeks you take them, but these side effects gradually fade. It takes time for your body to adjust to a new drug, so if your symptoms are annoying but not dangerous, wait and see how you feel in a month or so.

   • To avoid strong side effects, your doctor may instruct you to take a small dose of a certain medication at first and work your way up to a full dose.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Coping with Side Effects

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   Be aware of possible side effects when you start taking a medication. Ask your doctor what side effects you can expect from a particular drug, and do your own research on the internet to see how other people have reacted to the medication. Knowing what to expect can make side effects easier to manage. To name a few common bipolar medication examples:

   • Lithium is a mood stabilizer that is widely known by doctors and prescribed to patients who have bipolar disorder. If you are prescribed this med, side effects may include diarrhea, drowsiness, extreme thirst, nausea, thyroid issues, memory issues, and weight gain. Most side effects will fade as your body adjusts to the medication. Chronic side effects of lithium include renal toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, parathyroid dysfunction, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
   • Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant drug that is frequently prescribed to those with bipolar. This drug also helps control the highs and lows of the condition, but may be associated with side effects like nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, tremors, and weight gain. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your specific medication regimen and its side effects. CNS dysfunction is the most common manifestation of toxicity, which manifests itself in the form of mild drowsiness, coma, or fatal cerebral edema.
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   Use relaxation techniques to cope with restlessness. If your medicine makes you feel restless or anxious, look for natural ways to relax. Deep breathing techniques, meditation, and visualization are three good ways to calm down.
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   Dress in layers to deal with sensitivity to cold. If your medications make you feel chilly all the time, keep a sweater or a coat close at hand. Consider layering long underwear under your outfit, especially in the winter.
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   Eat fiber to help with digestion. Bipolar medications can cause both diarrhea and constipation. Eating more fiber can help fix both of these conditions. Add more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet, or ask your doctor about taking psyllium, a fiber laxative.
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   Adjust your diet to help with changes in appetite. If your medicine is causing you to feel hungrier than usual, choose bulky but low-calorie foods like raw vegetables to fill you up while minimizing weight gain. If your appetite has disappeared, focus on eating foods that are nutrient- and calorie-dense to give your body the fuel it needs.
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   Avoid diuretics if you experience frequent urination. Drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can make you need to urinate even more. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect.

   • You might be tempted to cut down on your water intake, but don’t do this – it’s important to replenish the fluids you lose throughout the day.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

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   Take all medications as directed. Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. Medications for mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder require constant medical monitoring. If you are not compliant with your medication regimen, negative side effects may occur. These may vary from person to person, but tend to include intense anger episodes, irritability, nausea, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.

   • Keep in mind that bipolar medications may take several weeks to start working. Don't give up on your meds and stop taking them because you're convinced they're not working. Give it time.
   • Quitting a medication cold turkey can have disastrous consequences. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be unpleasant or even dangerous, or you may relapse into a manic or depressive episode. If you think you need to stop taking a medication, talk to your doctor first.
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   Find a support system. Talking to friends and family can help relieve bipolar symptoms. Reaching out to make new friends can also help you stay upbeat and positive. Consider joining a support group in your area to meet people who are dealing with the same issues as you.

   • Try inviting a friend to exercise with you, asking a coworker if they want to get lunch, or scheduling a weekly Skype session with relatives who live far away.
   • There are warm-lines that are sponsored by the county or state that are available for talk and support therapy. Further, there are crisis lines that are there for people that have had challenges or are suicidal.
   • Certified Peer Support Specialists are people that provide support and guidance to people who have mental disorders. These are people that have a mental disorder themselves and who work in the healthcare system to treat others and provide help and guidance.
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   Eat nutritious foods. Processed foods that contain sugar and white flour can have an adverse effect on your mood, while nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods can help keep your mood stable. Fresh produce, high-quality meats, whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal, and legumes are good choices for maintaining your health and avoiding blood sugar problems.
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   Exercise regularly. Gentle cardiovascular exercise like walking can help regulate your mood naturally. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.

   • Exercise can also help ease insomnia and anxiety.
   • Check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Exercise may interfere with certain medications.
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   Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Too much or too little sleep can leave you feeling cranky and foggy-headed. To avoid sleep-related mood swings, aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time every day.
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   Be alert to changes in your mood. You may be able to prevent a full-blown manic or depressive episode if you notice the symptoms early enough. Stay in touch with your emotions and call your doctor if you start to feel unusually sad, listless, or hyperactive.

   • Journaling is a good way to keep tabs on your mood.
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