Side effects of medications for bipolar disorder
Every drug can result in several side effects. These usually vary from drug to drug and class to class.
You may experience certain side effects of antipsychotic drugs such as:
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Lack of emotion
- Dry mouth
Lithium is one of the most used mood stabilizers, it can lead to:
- Cognitive issues
- Thirst
- Diarrhoea
- Kidney and thyroid issues
- Excessive urination
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Weight gain
Some side effects may leave after some days or weeks, while others may occur for a longer period. Your healthcare provider can describe ways of managing side effects, which include taking several drugs at different times of the day.
It is important to visit your doctor if you experience any severe side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or recommend another treatment approach. In most cases, the effects of most drugs may not be seen until after several weeks. It would help to visit your doctor if any medication is not improving the symptoms.