Bipolar disorder can have a major effect on the lives of the people living with it. However, with treatment, you can live a full life. Tips for helping you live with bipolar disorder include:

1. Follow the prescribed treatment regimen closely
   Take medication as directed, without skipping any doses. Mood stabilizers may take several weeks to reach maximum effectiveness, especially if their dose is increased incrementally. You may not feel their effects right away. You also may experience side effects before you begin to feel the therapeutic effects. In most cases, these side effects lessen or disappear over time. If you stop taking your medication, you may relapse, often within the first six months. Treatment following relapse can be more difficult because medication may no longer be effective if you tried to stop your medications. Relapses can be severe, so medication is tapered off slowly if a doctor feels a change in therapy is necessary. If psychotherapy has been recommended, attend sessions regularly. Do not make any changes in therapy without consulting a doctor or a mental health professional.
   
   
2. Keep an eye out for side effects
   Most side effects of mood stabilizers are transient and disappear within a few weeks. However, some persist for much longer. Side effects are generally reversible after the medication is discontinued. Different mood stabilizers can have different side effects, so problems with one drug may be alleviated by switching to another. Common side effects include:
   
   
   • Gastrointestinal complaints. These include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These are very common side effects of mood-stabilizing drugs. They generally improve if the medication is taken with meals.
     
     
   • Fine tremor. This is shakiness or unsteadiness, particularly of the hands. It tends to get better when the medication dosage is reduced. It may take some time to find the right dosage. The proper dosage should control your symptoms with as few side effects as possible.
     
     
   • Rash. Some mood stabilizers may cause a rash or acne. Medication may be discontinued, depending on the type of mood stabilizer used and the severity of the rash. If the medication you are taking for bipolar disorder needs to be discontinued, your doctor will work with you to find another medication that's less risky and more effective for you.
     
     
   • Changes in blood chemistry. Most mood stabilizers require you to have frequent blood tests to monitor chemical and compositional levels, such as calcium levels, white blood cell count and red blood cell count. Many of these changes are harmless, but some can be quite dangerous. For example, certain anticonvulsant medications can reduce the ability of the blood to clot. And in rare cases, certain anticonvulsants can result in significant and dangerous drops in levels of white or red blood cells. If dangerous changes are noted in your blood tests, your doctor may decide to switch your medication.
   
   
   
3. Keep an eye out for signs of an upcoming episode
   If specific triggers of episodes have been identified, be mindful of them and avoid them when possible. Friends and family members can often help you with this awareness.
   
   For most people with bipolar disorder, episodes follow a predictable pattern. You may be able to identify the early signs of an episode before it becomes severe. As soon as it seems that a mood episode may be developing, contact a doctor or mental health professional; your medication may need to be altered slightly. With their assistance, you may be able to stop the episode before it fully develops.
   
   
4. Do not make important decisions during mood episodes
   Mania and depression affect judgment. Important decisions may need to be delegated to someone else or put off until you are experiencing a normal mood. When you are experiencing a mood episode, don't do anything rash. For example, during a manic episode, you may decide to quit your job and change careers. However, once the episode passes, you may very well regret the action.
   
   If an important decision has already been planned, such as buying a new house or car, it may be best to postpone following through with it until the episode has passed. If it cannot be put off, ask someone you trust to make the decision for you. It may help to involve a loved one when your mood is normal, just in case you experience an episode before the event has been completed. This way, your loved one will know what you wanted and can help you more efficiently.
   
   
5. Avoid drugs and alcohol
   Many substances, legal or illegal, can affect your mood. Recreational or club drugs can be particularly dangerous, but legal ones such as diet drugs may also need to be avoid.
   
   There are many connections between substance abuse and bipolar disorder. Drugs or alcohol can cause mania or depression, and their abuse may lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder also may try to stabilize their moods with drugs or alcohol. The use of these substances may trigger a mood episode in many people with bipolar disorder. In others, it may make an existing episode worse. It is also important to discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medications you're taking with your doctor or mental health professional.
   
   
6. Take control
   Bipolar disorder cannot be cured and tends to require lifelong treatment. However, it is among the most treatable of mental health conditions. The treatments used are generally highly effective in reducing the symptoms of individual mood episodes and preventing further episodes entirely. By paying close attention to your medications and symptoms, you can take control of your condition. You don't have to wait for a mood episode to develop before you take control. Your life is in your hands. Live it to the fullest.