Bipolar Basics

Valproate for Bipolar Disorder: Valproate — also called valproic acid or divalproex sodium, and sold under the brand name Depakote — is an anticonvulsant medication…

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder: Olanzapine (brand name Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic that’s FDA-approved to treat acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder…

Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder: Quetiapine (brand name Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that’s FDA-approved for treating bipolar disorder in three different ways: acute manic episodes,…

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder: Lamotrigine (brand name Lamictal) is a mood-stabilizing medication approved by the FDA for the long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder…

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder: Lithium is the oldest and most extensively studied medication for bipolar disorder. It helps prevent both manic and depressive episodes and…

Mood Stabilizers for Bipolar Disorder: Mood stabilizers are medications that help reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes in bipolar disorder. Lithium is one…

Bipolar medications fall into three main categories: mood stabilizers (like lithium and certain anticonvulsants), atypical antipsychotics (used for both mania and depression), and antidepressants (used…

Bipolar Treatment FAQs: Bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of mood-stabilizing medication, targeted psychotherapy, and lifestyle structure—not with any single fix. Most people need…

Recovery from bipolar disorder doesn’t mean the condition disappears — it means reaching a stable, manageable place where symptoms are controlled, daily functioning returns, and…

Support for bipolar disorder comes in several forms: professional treatment, peer support groups, family and friend involvement, and caregiver resources. No single source of support…