Bipolar Disorder Medication: Common Types, Side Effects, and Online Care

At Talkiatry, we know that navigating mental health can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make it easier—starting with information you can trust. As a national mental health practice with over 600 psychiatrists and other providers, we combine clinical excellence with real-world understanding to deliver incredible care and reliable information. This article has been medically reviewed by the same doctors who treat our patients every day, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking care now or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.

Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder that can affect your energy, focus, emotions, and ability to function day to day. But with the right care, it’s manageable.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important first step. From there, treatment—typically a combination of medication and therapy—can help reduce symptoms, prevent mood episodes, and support long-term stability. Here’s what to know about bipolar medications and how they work.

What is bipolar medication? 

Bipolar medications are prescribed to help balance mood and reduce the frequency and severity of manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. They work by targeting the brain’s neurotransmitters and stabilizing activity that contributes to intense mood shifts. 

These medications can be incredibly helpful, but because everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is different, they must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified psychiatrist. You can learn more about the process of getting an evaluation for bipolar disorder here. 

Common types of bipolar medications 

Mood stabilizers 

Mood stabilizers are a first-line treatment for both types of bipolar disorder. They’re prescribed to help manage and prevent episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. 

There are several types of mood stabilizers, including lithium and certain anticonvulsants (also known as antiseizure medications). Although some of these were first developed to treat other conditions, they’re now commonly used for bipolar disorder. Here’s a summary of the most common types of bipolar medications. 

Lithium 

Lithium is one of the most established treatments for bipolar disorder. It’s often used to manage manic symptoms and reduce the risk of future mood episodes. Research also shows that lithium may help lower the risk of suicidal ideation in people with bipolar disorder. 

Anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers 

Originally developed for seizure disorders like epilepsy, some anticonvulsants are now widely used in bipolar treatment. These medications help regulate abnormal brain activity that can contribute to mood instability. Certain options are better for managing manic or mixed episodes, while others are more effective for depressive symptoms. 

• Valproate (Depakote): Commonly prescribed for manic or mixed episodes
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Often used to treat bipolar depression
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Sometimes recommended when lithium or valproate aren’t effective 

Antipsychotic medications 

Atypical antipsychotics are another class of medication used to help regulate mood in bipolar disorder. They work by interacting with brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, either by blocking or modulating their effects to reduce overstimulation and stabilize mood swings. 

These medications can help ease symptoms like agitation, mania, or mood instability, depending on how they act on different neurotransmitter systems. 

Common options include: 

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify) 

Antidepressants 

Antidepressants are sometimes used alongside mood stabilizers to help treat the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, they’re generally not prescribed on their own, since there's a risk of triggering mania, worsening mood instability, or intensifying suicidal thoughts. 

Common medications: 

• Paxil
• Prozac
• Cymbalta 

Side effects of bipolar disorder medications 

Starting medication for bipolar disorder is an important step, and it’s natural to have questions or concerns about side effects. Some medications, like mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, may require more monitoring and carry a higher risk of side effects than others. But with the right care, many of these effects can be managed. 

Your psychiatrist will explain what to expect, start you on a carefully chosen dose, and monitor your response over time. Everyone’s experience with medication is different, and if side effects do come up, your provider can adjust your treatment or explore alternatives to help you stay on track. 

Side effects of mood stabilizers 

Some mood stabilizers require periodic lab tests to monitor how you’re responding to these medications and ensure safe treatment. 

Lithium 

• Nausea or other digestive issues
• Hand tremors
• Increased thirst or urination
• Slowed thinking or feeling foggy
• Changes in thyroid or kidney function – requires lab monitoring
• Possible weight gain

Lithium treatment also requires monitoring of lithium levels every 3-6 months. 

Anticonvulsants (Depakote, Lamictal, Tegretol) 

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Possible weight gain
• Changes in liver function – requires lab monitoring 

Lamictal carries a small risk of a rare but serious skin rash. Your provider will monitor this closely. 

Depakote requires monitoring of valproic acid levels every six months. 

Side effects of antipsychotics 

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty with memory or focus
• Changes in sexual function or desire
• Risk of developing metabolic syndrome (a group of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes) 
  

Side effects of antidepressants 

Side effects vary depending on the type of antidepressant prescribed. These are some common side effects of antidepressants that may be prescribed as part of bipolar treatment alongside a mood stabilizer. 

SSRIs (Paxil, Prozac) 

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping or fatigue
• Changes in weight
• Changes in sexual function or desire 

SNRIs (Cymbalta) 

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Changes in sexual function or desire

How bipolar disorder medication works online 

Getting treatment for bipolar disorder doesn’t have to mean long waits or in-person appointments. Online psychiatric care has made it easier for many people to access expert help from the comfort of home. While virtual care isn’t the right fit for everyone—some may need in-person evaluation or a higher level of support—for many, it offers a convenient and effective option.

Online care typically starts with a thorough evaluation, where you meet virtually with a licensed psychiatrist to discuss your symptoms, history, and goals. If bipolar disorder is diagnosed, the psychiatrist will explain your medication options and work with you to make informed decisions. Ongoing follow-up appointments help monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan over time.

At Talkiatry, we specialize in delivering this type of care, combining expert psychiatric support with the convenience of online access.

How online bipolar disorder medication works at Talkiatry  

Initial screening 

Complete a brief online questionnaire so we can understand your symptoms and match you with a psychiatrist experienced in bipolar disorder.

Evaluation 

Meet online with your psychiatrist for a 60-minute first appointment, where you’ll review your health history, mood patterns, and daily life. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions.

Diagnosis and treatment 

If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you and your provider will create a personalized treatment plan. Medication is the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder and may be combined with therapy referrals.

Psychiatrists who understand bipolar disorder 

Talkiatry’s clinical team includes psychiatrists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. They’ll work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that supports your long-term stability.