Hospitalization- Your doctor may have you hospitalized if you are behaving dangerously, if you are feel suicidal or you become detached from reality.

Initial treatment- Often, you'll need to begin taking medications to balance your moods right away. Once your symptoms are under control, you'll work with your doctor to find the best long-term treatment.

Continued treatment- Maintenance treatment is used to manage bipolar disorder on a long-term basis. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.

Substance abuse treatment- If you have problems with alcohol or drugs, you'll also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage bipolar disorder.

Lithium- Lithium (Lithobid, others) is effective at stabilizing mood and preventing the extreme highs and lows of certain categories of bipolar disorder and has been used for many years.

Anticonvulsants- These can help as mood-stabilizers.The medication asenapine (Saphris) may be helpful in treating mixed episodes. Depending on the medication you take, side effects can vary.

Antipsychotics- Certain antipsychotic medications, such as aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), may help people who don't benefit from anticonvulsants. The only antipsychotic that's specifically approved

Antidepressants- Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend you take an antidepressant, require careful monitoring.

Symbyax- This medication combines the antidepressant fluoxetine and the antipsychotic olanzapine. Symbyax is approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Benzodiazepines- These anti-anxiety medications may help with anxiety and improve sleep.c

Treatment and prevention

Medications can include