emotional bipolar
Lithium, valproate and carbamazepine are three most commonly prescribed drugs for people with bipolar disorder. What are the differences between them and that is best for you?
Lithium
Lithium is commonly known as mood stabilizer first. Although it was discovered in 1817, not was not until much later in the century that was found to have stabilizing properties mood, specifically anti-manic skills. In 1969 was the preferred method of treatment of manic depression.
It is not known exactly how lithium works in the brain to stabilize moods. Is the theory that those affected with bipolar disorder have a chemical imbalance in the brain that controls emotions and that lithium helps to restore the correct balance.
Today, lithium is often the treatment of the drug when first attempted the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is especially effective if there is a history relatives of bipolar disorder. If a family history there, lithium treatment tends to be less effective, and others can try instead.
Recently, because of their toxicity and other adverse effects, some medical professionals have begun to flee the prescription of lithium.
Valproate
In the United States, valproate is the second most popular drug used to combat bipolar disorder. This seems to be mainly a direct result of the many side effects of lithium and concerns. Even among doctors who prefer lithium as a first option, valproate is usually a strong second option. Moreover, as mentioned above, is not always effective lithium to treat bipolar disorder. In these cases, valproate is often considered a good alternative treatment.
Although lithium and valproate appear have similar efficacy in the treatment of bipolar disorder, there has been no head to head clinical trials between the two, to a final conclusion can not be achieved. Without But as valproate is less stressful for the human body, this may be a natural preference for certain drugs.
A second concern with the use of valproate is that although it has been shown to be effective against bipolar mania, which has been less effective against bipolar depression.
Carbamazepine
In Europe, the carbamazepine, introduced in the 1960s, is the second most popular drug used to treat bipolar disorder. Although studies have shown to be effective for bipolar disorder, which has been adopted worldwide.
And as with the drug valproate, carbamazepine, while effective in the treatment of bipolar mania, has also been less effective in the treatment of bipolar depression.
Conclusion
Of the three main drugs used to fight disease bipolar, everyone seems to be relatively equal in the treatment of bipolar mania. However, when treating bipolar depression and in reducing feelings of suicide, lithium appears to have the clear advantage.
Unfortunately, many of the studies the treatment of bipolar current is based on 15 or more years of age and are in very bad date.
Fortunately, the scientific community, recognizing this, are increasingly interested in studying new treatments for bipolar mania. There are many ongoing medical tests that will test the potential of a new class of drugs bipolar and we look forward to much needed help for families deal with this emotionally painful condition.
About the Author:
Julie Frey is webmaster of www.bipolarsickiness.com who writes articles relating to bipolar issues including what to look for in a bipolar paralegal .
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Most Popular Bipolar Drugs
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