Managing Bipolar Disorder: What to Know About Medication

If you live with bipolar disorder or know someone who does, you know that managing this complex condition is a challenge. It’s certainly not impossible, though. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication, folks with bipolar disorder can live normal lives and maintain strong relationships. However, managing the many treatment options, especially medication, is a struggle for some. That’s why we’re here to demystify medication management for bipolar disorder. Here’s what you need to know about staying on track.

Can Medication Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Yes! Bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with a wide range of medications, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. When prescribed by a psychiatrist or primary care doctor, they can go a long way to reducing mood extremes and increasing stability.

Tips for Managing Your Bipolar Disorder Medication

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of a given medication depends on how well it’s managed. Skipped dosages, stopping treatment abruptly, or miscommunicating with your healthcare provider can lead to unnecessary setbacks. Establishing structure and consistency around your medication routine is essential for seeing long-term benefits. Take a look at our tips for proper medication management:

1. Work With Your Healthcare Provider

Managing medication starts with finding the one that best suits your needs. Given that every individual’s response to bipolar medications varies, your doctor may prescribe a combination of medications through trial and error. If you’re hoping to make this process a bit easier, be sure to:

Be Honest About Symptoms—Always communicate your full range of symptoms and their severity. This helps identify what’s working and what’s not.
Track Your Progress—Keep a symptom diary to observe patterns in mood changes or side effects. Bring these records to appointments with your doctor—you’ll have a simple starting point for discussions!
Report Side Effects Promptly—If you notice adverse side effects, discuss them with your doctor rather than abruptly stopping the medication. Side effects often go away on their own or with adjusted dosage.

2. Create a Medication Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to medication for bipolar disorder. Missing doses or taking your medication irregularly can render it ineffective. We highly recommend creating a fixed schedule to keep you on track. Here are a few ideas:

Take It at the Same Time Each Day—Link your medication intake to an existing routine. Maybe you’ll always take it after brushing your teeth, or perhaps you plan to take it every night with dinner.
Use Pill Organizers or Apps—A weekly pill organizer or reminder app can help ensure you don’t miss a dose. This approach also protects you from accidentally double-dosing yourself.
Set Alarms—Keeping a schedule doesn’t have to be complicated! A simple alarm on your phone is an excellent way to keep you on time.

3. Learn More About Your Medication

While there’s nothing wrong with trusting your psychiatrist and simply taking your pills as directed, educating yourself about the medication can help you prevent issues. Start by understanding the purpose of each medication and getting a grasp on how it works. You should also familiarize yourself with any side effects and ask your doctor how to respond if any occur. Beyond that, it’s crucial to know if any foods, alcohol, or drugs may interact poorly with your medication. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about your specific prescription.

4. Communication With Your Care Team

Your care team—including your psychiatrist, therapist, and primary physician—is there to support you. Be sure to maintain an open dialogue with each of these individuals. Don’t wait to communicate any concerns, and be upfront about your thoughts on your treatment plan. Specifically, you should:

Keep them updated about changes in your mood, life stressors, or any new physical symptoms.
Consult a doctor before stopping bipolar medication to avoid withdrawal effects or sudden relapses.
Ask questions about dosages, combinations, or treatment progress as they arise.

5. Track Your Mood and Side Effects

We’ve already touched on mood tracking, but keeping a record of how you feel throughout the week is very beneficial. You can use a mood-tracking app, journal, or chart to record your emotional state, triggers, sleep patterns, and medication adherence. Over time, tracking patterns will be instrumental in creating a customized treatment plan that minimizes side effects.

6. Prepare for Setbacks

The tough reality of bipolar disorder is that not everything goes according to plan. Setbacks can happen, such as missed doses, breakthrough symptoms, or medication intolerance. But remember, setbacks are not failures. They are manageable hurdles that only make you stronger and more knowledgeable in the future. Address setbacks proactively by:

Following your doctor’s instructions if you miss a dose, instead of doubling the next dose.
Identifying patterns to prevent future disruptions, such as setting better reminders if forgetfulness is the issue.
Having an emergency contact who can help monitor your emotional state in case of recurring symptoms.

7. Lean on Your Support System

Bipolar disorder is not something you have to face alone. Sharing your treatment plan with trusted friends or family members can provide you with the support you need during difficult times. If you feel you can’t confide in friends or family, consider reaching out to local support groups or meeting with an online therapist. Regardless of what your support system looks like, they can help you with medication reminders, noticing behavior changes, and staying positive.

8. Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle

Medication is only part of the equation. In addition to staying consistent with medication management, you’ll want to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to make 10 changes at once—pick a few goals to better your health and stick to them. You might work on getting at least eight hours of sleep every night, or incorporate more veggies into your diet. Making small changes like these can compound the benefits of medications.

Here to Support You Along the Way

Managing bipolar disorder is a constant process with both triumphs and obstacles along the way. Thankfully, Family Psychiatry and Therapy is here to support you as you work toward better mental health. Our team is made up of psychiatrists, therapists, and social workers who can help you stay on track with medication management. Reach out to us today to book a telehealth appointment.