Choices

When Dr. Charles and Dr. Choi are discussing the patient with Bipolar Disorder, Dr. Charles says that the patient's records show she tried Welbutrin, Prozac, and Effexor, but the "side effects were too severe so she stuck with Lithium." The first 3 drugs mentioned are antidepressants, whereas Lithium is a mood stabilizer. Someone who struggles with Bipolar I Disorder with predominantly manic episodes would not likely take only an antidepressant, as it is more likely to cause them go into a manic episode. If someone with Bipolar Disorder is taking an antidepressant, it would be because they suffer from depressive episodes; if they suffer from manic episodes as well, they almost always would be taking it in combination with a mood stabilizer.