Do not be discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Most medications used to treat bipolar disorder take time to work properly. Sometimes a medication must be started at a lower dose and slowly increased to the effective dose to help your body adjust to the medication.

Medications can also cause side effects. For some, the side effects are bothersome but can be tolerated. For others, they are unbearable, and a different medication may be chosen. One way to come to terms with any problems may be to decide, with your doctor, whether the positive effects of improved symptoms are worth any minor side effects.

If you don't see any improvement after 6 weeks or you are experiencing side effects, let the doctor know immediately.

next: It's Important to Stay On Your Medications

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Reviewed: 03/2006