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Bipolar disorder is a condition by which the sufferer has episodes of mania and/or depression. It is usually misdiagnosed as clinical depression wherein the individual is given with antidepressant medications such as Zoloft. Zoloft is a medication belonging to the SSRI drug class, still a type of antidepressant. However, a warning has been issued by the FDA regarding the use of Zoloft in individuals with bipolar disorder as this may yield undesirable effects. Misdiagnosis is deemed as a common problem in the misuse of antidepressants but the absence of psychiatric diagnoses increased antidepressant use.
Action of Antidepressants
The antidepressants under the SSRI drug class work by limiting the reuptake of serotonin. In this way, the levels of serotonin in the brain are maintained. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that has an effect on our mood. In the case of depression, low levels of serotonin are found in the brain. In cases otherwise, symptoms of panic or anxiety are observed in an individual.
What Happens When it’s Used in Bipolar Disorder?
The person with Bipolar disorder may experience symptoms of depression followed by episodes of mania or the other way around. Medications used for bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsants. Antidepressants were given as an adjunct therapy to mood stabilizers before. This is because antidepressants might increase the chances of an individual to develop manic cycles to depression rapidly. However, studies later proved that antidepressants are no longer effective in the management of bipolar disorder even when taken with mood stabilizers. Also, atypical antipsychotic medications are used in the management of bipolar disorder but other medications should be taken together with the drug to avoid fatal side effects. Drugs, even with their therapeutic effects, still yield a number of side effects. As an example, the antidepressant Zoloft is associated with Zoloft birth defects, which is why the FDA issued a warning regarding the drug as well as a warning on it not being used as a bipolar medication. Other management are present for Bipolar Disorder excluding medications such as psychotherapy but the effects are usually seen after some time.
Related article:
Zoloft Use Can Cause Weight Loss According to U.S. FDA (zoloftwarningsandreviews.wordpress.com)
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