Bipolar Disorder For Dummies
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Your brain and central nervous system form an intricate power grid that carries very low-level electricity. With serious central nervous system malfunctions, as in epilepsy, neurons misfire to such an extent that they can cause seizures. Anticonvulsants — including valproate, commonly known as valproic acid (Depakote) — appear to reduce seizures, at least in part by regulating neuron firing.

The mechanisms of bipolar aren't the same as seizures, but a number of anticonvulsants are effective in treating some symptoms of bipolar disorder. Stabilization of neuron cell firing may play a role, but researchers are studying other potential mechanisms of action, including effects on genetic expression.

The following table lists the main medications in the anticonvulsant class, along with their doses, benefits, and possible side effects.

Potential Benefits and Side Effects of Anticonvulsants
Generic Name Brand Names Average
Adult Dose
Therapeutic Blood Level Potential Benefits Some Possible Side Effects*
Carbamazepine Tegretol
Carbatrol
Epitol
Equetro
400 to 1,600 mg/day or 10 to 30 mg/kg/day 4 to 12 mcg/mL is the range for seizures; therapeutic level for mania is less well established; more than 15 mcg/mL is considered toxic Antimanic; third choice after trials of lithium and valproate; doesn't cause significant weight gain in most patients; may help control aggression and violent outbursts. Can reduce effectiveness of birth control pills; blood cell problems; reduced B-12 and folate levels; liver problems; blurry vision; dizziness; nausea; risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin and mucus membrane reaction that can be lethal (much higher in individuals of Han Chinese descent due to a genetic effect on metabolism); effects on liver enzymes cause interactions with many other medications.
Divalproex sodium
Valproate
Valproic acid
Depakote
Depakene
1,000 to 2,000 mg/day or 25 to 60 mg/kg/day, but upper limit varies according to amount needed to establish therapeutic blood level. 50 to 125 mcg/mL (risk of toxicity increases above this level). Antimanic; may prevent or reduce recurrent episodes; possibly some weak antidepressant activity. Pancreas and liver problems; weight gain; sedation; nausea; possible fertility problems in females; hair loss; elevated ammonia levels.
Lamotrigine Lamictal 25 to 200 mg/day; must ramp up very slowly to reduce likelihood of Stevens-Johnson syndrome; dosing must start lower and go slower if given with valproate. N/A Reduces mood cycle frequency; strong antidepressant properties; not usually associated with weight gain; doesn't reduce acute mania. Stevens-Johnson syndrome; may reduce effectiveness of some types of birth control pills; nausea and vomiting; dizziness; blurred vision; headache; insomnia or other sleep changes; if taking with valproate, must start with much lower doses of lamotrigine and increase even more slowly than usual.

mg/day = milligrams per day; mg/kg/day = milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day; mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter.

* Other side effects may occur that are not listed.

Valproate is commonly used as a first-line treatment for acute mania, as well as for maintenance therapy. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) has also proven effective for mania and maintenance care. Oxcarbemazapine (Trileptal) is a medication closely related to carbamazepine but with fewer side effects. It's being used in place of carbamazepine, but the research on its effectiveness is still limited. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is growing in popularity because of its effectiveness in mood maintenance and potential for helping to alleviate depression, but it's not effective in treating acute mania.

Topiramate (Topamax) is an anticonvulsant that was sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder, but studies have shown that it to be ineffective. It often reduces appetite, though, so doctors sometimes use it to help reduce weight gain associated with other medications for bipolar disorder. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is another medication used for seizure that was once thought to be helpful in bipolar disorder, but studies have shown it to be ineffective. It's sometimes used to treat anxiety (see the later section on anti-anxiety medications).

Researchers are looking into other anticonvulsants such as zonisamide (Zonegran), levetiracetam (Keppra), and tiagabine (Gabitril) for use in bipolar disorder, but at this time the research is scanty with no support for their use.

Withdrawing an anticonvulsant too quickly can cause seizures. Always consult your doctor before you stop or decrease a medication.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Candida Fink, MD is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages?and their loved ones?to manage bipolar disorder. Joe Kraynak is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.

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