Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Page Highlights
- Symptoms of bipolar disorder range from depressed lows to manic highs
- A person may not know he or she is sick
- Know the warning signs
What Depression and Mania May Look or Feel Like
Although it may sound strange, someone can be experiencing an episode of depression or mania and not even realize it.
But family members and friends who know the warning signs of a depressed low or manic high can help by getting word to the doctor that their loved one may need medical help.1
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Depressive Episodes2
Someone in a depressed state of mind may…
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Feel sad
He or she may feel sad or just plain “empty” inside, be tearful or cry.
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Lose interest in things
He or she may stop doing things usually enjoyed and feel that those things just
aren’t worth doing.
-
Gain or lose weight
He or she may lose weight without trying or gain weight from eating more than
usual.
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Have trouble sleeping
He or she may have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
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Sleep too much
He or she may sleep longer than usual and not want to get out of bed in the
morning.
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Appear restless or do things more slowly
He or she may appear restless or move slower than usual in doing everyday
tasks.
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Feel tired
He or she may just not have the energy to go about everyday tasks.
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Feel worthlessness or guilt
He or she may feel undeserving of anything good or feel responsible for having
done something terrible.
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Have trouble thinking
He or she may have problems concentrating and/or making decisions.
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Think about death
He or she may think that life is not worth living or make a plan to take his or
her own life.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Manic Episodes2
Someone in a manic state of mind may…
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Feel unusually great
He or she may feel in possession of special qualities or abilities, extra
power, importance, knowledge or ability.
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Sleep a lot less
He or she may feel that “sleep is a waste of time,” feel rested after a few
hours or just not feel tired at all.
-
Talk too much
He or she may feel pressured to get out thoughts, to talk faster or more loudly
than usual.
-
Mix up their thoughts
He or she may have thoughts coming so fast that it’s hard to keep ideas
straight.
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Be distracted easily
His or her attention may be drawn to little, unimportant things.
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Set new goals
He or she may launch into several new projects.
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Take risks and go to extremes
He or she may do things that could be considered “risky” or unwise. Examples
include running up credit card debt, making gambling bets, and even having
casual sex with strangers.
-
Fidget more
He or she may be unable to sit still for very long or may pace.
When you consider the many possible types of symptoms that bipolar disorder can cause, it’s easy to see why it is very important to get medical care to help manage this illness.
If you are experiencing any depressed or manic symptoms be sure to talk to your doctor.
Is Bipolar Disorder Treatable?
The information on this Web site should not take the place of talking with your
doctor or health care professional about how to manage and treat bipolar
disorder. If you have any questions about your condition, or if you would like
more information about SEROQUEL, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Only you
and your doctor can decide if SEROQUEL is right for you.
Important Safety Information About SEROQUEL 
This is not a complete summary of safety information. Please discuss the full
Prescribing Information with your health care provider.
SEROQUEL is approved for depressive episodes and acute manic episodes in bipolar
disorder; long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder in combination
with lithium or divalproex; and schizophrenia.
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with
reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine
are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). SEROQUEL
is not approved for treating these patients.
Antidepressants have increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in
some children, teenagers, and young adults. Patients of all ages starting
treatment should be watched closely for worsening of depression, suicidal
thoughts or actions, unusual changes in behavior, agitation, and irritability.
Families and caregivers should watch patients daily and report these symptoms
immediately to the physician. SEROQUEL is not approved for patients under the
age of 18 years.
-
High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with SEROQUEL and medicines
like it. If you have diabetes or risk factors such as obesity or a family
history of diabetes, ask your doctor about checking your blood sugar before
starting SEROQUEL and regularly throughout treatment. If you develop symptoms
of high blood sugar or diabetes, such as excessive thirst or hunger, increased
urination, or weakness, contact your doctor. Complications from diabetes can be
serious and even life threatening
-
A rare, but potentially fatal, side effect reported with SEROQUEL and medicines
like it is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Tell your doctor if you have
very high fever; rigid muscles; shaking; confusion; sweating; changes in pulse,
heart rate, or blood pressure; or muscle pain and weakness because treatment
should be stopped if you have NMS
-
Another serious side effect reported with SEROQUEL and medicines like it is
tardive dyskinesia (TD)—uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other
parts of the body. TD may become permanent, and the risk of TD is believed to
increase as the length of time on and the amount of these medications increase.
While TD can develop in patients taking low doses for short periods, this is
much less common. There is no known treatment for TD, but it may go away
partially or completely if treatment is stopped
-
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol or
have a history of, or are at risk for, seizures or a low white blood cell (WBC)
count. An eye exam for cataracts is recommended at the beginning of treatment
and every 6 months thereafter. Suicidal thoughts or actions may occur in
bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; tell your doctor if you have thoughts about
death or suicide. During treatment, tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or
lightheaded upon standing. Since drowsiness has been reported with SEROQUEL,
you should not participate in activities such as driving or operating machinery
until you know that you can do so safely. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking
SEROQUEL because SEROQUEL increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid becoming
overheated or dehydrated while taking SEROQUEL
-
Common side effects: The most common side effects are dry mouth, sedation,
drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, weakness, abdominal pain, sudden drop in
blood pressure upon standing, sore throat, weight gain, sluggishness, high
blood sugar, nasal congestion, abnormal liver tests, and upset stomach
Talk to your doctor about prescription SEROQUEL.
Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the
FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCES:
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Disorder, Second Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2002.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.