Patients should understand that, even with aggressive therapy, either mania or depression recurs in about 75% of patients. Mood stabilizing drugs are the mainstay for patients with bipolar disorder.They are defined as drugs that are effective for acute episodes of mania and depression and that can be used for maintenance.It is also used as part of a support program to help people stop smoking. If you are already taking medicine for depression or to help you stop smoking, discuss this with your doctor before taking bupropion.It is very important that you receive only one prescription at a time for bupropion.Such drugs may be used in combination with each other. Determine the Need for Hospitalization and Eliminate Triggers . Mood stabilizers are typically continued for about 8 weeks, unless the patient shows signs of shifting to another mood state.Additional drugs, such as conventional antipsychotics, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, or experimental drugs are used as necessary. Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment that may be administered to certain patients for acute episodes or for maintenance. In addition to medical treatments, psychotherapy and sleep management are also parts of bipolar disorder treatment. The first step in treating an acute manic episode is to rule out any life-threatening conditions and eliminate any triggers, such as antidepressants or other substances that can elevate moods. Initiation of a mood-stabilizing drug is the critical first step. In cases of improvement and sustained recovery, the antipsychotic or benzodiazepine drugs are slowly withdrawn and only the mood-stabilizing drug is continued. If the patient remains stable at that time, the doctor may decide to continue maintenance treatment or to gradually withdraw medications.It makes smoking less pleasurable and reduces craving while you work on your smoking habits.Other advantages include: As with any prescription medication, there are benefits and risks to taking bupropion.

Wellbutrin has few side effects but can sometimes cause anxiety, insomnia, headache, stomach discomfort, tremor and agitation.

The standard first-line mood stabilizers are lithium and valproate.

Both drugs stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate, although they appear to work through different mechanisms. Drugs to treat bipolar disorder should be prescribed and managed by a psychiatrist.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.