While there a number of atypical antipsychotics used in order to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder, there are also a number of antidepressants and ant anxiety medications, which will stop depression. The risk of antidepressants for those with bipolar disorder is that they need to be taken with a mood stabilizer. The reason for this is that the antidepressants take care of depression so well that your mood will shift 180° the other way, and you will end up with severe mania.
The four major groups of antidepressants are SSRI’s, SSNR’s, Wellbutrin, and MAO inhibitors.
SSRI’s
SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is used by the brain in order to regulate sleep and wake cycles, mood, anxiety, and a number of other mood regulating functions of the brain. It is believed by some scientists that low levels of serotonin in the brain can cause depression and anxiety. SSRI’s increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Common SSRI medications include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro.
SSNRI’s
SSNRI’s are also known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and they work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine regulates mood, anxiety, and concentration. Two common brands of SSNRI’s include Effexor and Cymbalta.
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is believed to work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This drug can also be used to control nicotine cravings, and may be less likely to trigger a manic episode, as compared to other antidepressants.
MAO Inhibitors
MAO inhibitors stop enzymes from breaking down the feedback pathways of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. This results in higher levels of these neurotransmitters.
Tricyclics work on histamine levels in the brain, in addition to neuropinephrine and serotonin levels.