Bipolar disorder is mental condition characterized by cycles 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 which belongs to the SSRI drug classification, 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.
Function of Antidepressants
Antidepressants, specifically SSRIs, work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. In this way, the levels of serotonin in the brain are maintained. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, has a big effect on our mood. In depression, there is a low level of the mentioned neurotransmitter in the brain. In cases otherwise, symptoms of panic or anxiety are observed in an individual.
What Happens When its Used in Bipolar Disorder?
A person with this condition may be depressed at one time and irritable or extremely active on the other. Medications used for bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsants. Doctors used to prescribe antidepressants in bipolar patients but it should be taken with mood stabilizers. Rapid cycles of depression and mania are being avoided hence the adjunct therapy. However, studies later proved that antidepressants are no longer effective in the management of bipolar disorder even when taken with mood stabilizers. Atypical antipsychotic medications are also used in treating bipolar disorder but it should be taken with other medications as well as the side effects can be disrupting on its own. Drugs, even with their therapeutic effects, still yield a number of side effects. Zoloft for example, an antidepressant, is associated with Zoloft birth defects. which prompted the FDA to release warnings on the drug apart from precautions on it not to be used in cases of bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is also a management for this condition but the effects are usually seen after quite some time, in most cases.
