Bipolar Disorder

What to Expect When Starting an Atypical Antipsychotic to Treat Bipolar 1 Disorder

Here’s what you need to know about taking atypical antipsychotics, including the side effects you might experience.

Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD

Updated on January 13, 2025

Featuring Joshua Berman, MDReviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD | January 6, 2025

You may be wondering what to expect when you start taking atypical antipsychotics to treat bipolar 1 disorder. This mental illness is marked by episodes of depression and mania, and atypical antipsychotics are a common treatment.

How atypical antipsychotics are taken

Most atypical antipsychotics can be taken as tablets or capsules, including Abilify (aripiprazole), Latuda (lurasidone), and Vraylar (cariprazine). Usually, these are taken either once or twice a day, according to Joshua Berman, MD, Psychiatrist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

However, some of these medications come in other formulations, such as a once-daily oral solution or injection every one or two months.

Atypical antipsychotic side effects

Each atypical antipsychotic may have a slightly different side effect profile. Also, not everyone has the same response to a certain medication.

Some common side effects of atypical antipsychotics include muscle stiffness, hand tremors, drowsiness, weight gain, changes in metabolism, or sexual side effects.

Some side effects may go away on their own over time. In some cases, extra medications may be added to manage the side effects. If side effects continue or are not tolerable, your care team may suggest changing your treatment plan.

If you experience serious side effects like abnormal eye movements or severe muscle stiffness with fever and confusion, seek emergency medical treatment right away.

Tips to improve outcomes

Berman says it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol when taking atypical antipsychotics because they can change the way you metabolize the medications. Also, alcohol can negatively affect your sleep, and getting quality sleep is very important in the treatment of bipolar 1.

Whatever side effects you experience, let your care team know. They may want to adjust your medication or other aspects of your treatment plan.

Bipolar Disorder medicationsCompare prices and information on the most popular Bipolar Disorder medications.

Lamictal
Lamotrigine
$9.00Lowest price
Save now
Seroquel
Quetiapine
$9.00Lowest price
Save now
Abilify
Aripiprazole
$16.96Lowest price
Save now

Compare all medications

References

Allergan, Inc. (2024). Vraylar- cariprazine [package insert].

MedlinePlus. (2023). Cariprazine.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.