People with bipolar disorder may benefit from prescription medication, in addition to other treatments like therapy.
Getting a prescription starts with an assessment where a psychiatric provider will ask you about your health history, symptoms, and treatment goals.
A psychiatric provider can help you decide if medication is right for you and support you along the way, from getting an initial prescription to adjusting your dosage as needed.
Medication is one of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder, especially alongside therapy. The right treatment plan can help stabilize mood swings, reduce symptoms, and make it easier to live a fulfilling, balanced life.
If you’re thinking about starting medication, it’s natural to have questions — and maybe even some uncertainty — about where to begin. Finding the right provider, getting an accurate diagnosis, and staying connected through ongoing care are all important steps.
This guide walks you through the process so you can feel informed, supported, and confident as you take this next step toward managing bipolar disorder.
Find a psychiatric provider
Your first step is finding a provider who can prescribe medication for bipolar disorder.
Not all providers have the same level of expertise with bipolar disorder. It’s a complex mood disorder that requires specific treatment approaches. So it's worth taking the time to find a provider who’s a good fit for your needs.
A few different types of medical providers can prescribe bipolar medication.
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Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They have extensive training in psychiatric medications. This means they can often recognize patterns or warning signs more quickly than a generalist.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
PMHNPs are nurse practitioners who are specially trained in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication just like psychiatrists can. Many people find PMHNPs easier to get appointments with, and their approach to care can be just as comprehensive.
General practitioners (GPs)
Your GP or family doctor can also prescribe medication for bipolar disorder. This can be a good option if you already have an established relationship and need to start treatment quickly.
However, GPs may not have the same depth of experience with bipolar disorder specifically, so they may not be the best choice for long-term care.
Additional considerations
Therapists — including psychologists, social workers, and counselors — can’t prescribe medication. But they can diagnose bipolar disorder and often have trusted referral networks for prescribers. If you already have a therapist, ask if they can recommend a psychiatric provider.
Before scheduling your first appointment, check your insurance plan. This can help to see which providers are covered in your network — which can bring the cost of care down significantly.
Some plans require a referral from your GP before you can see a psychiatrist or PMHNP.
If you’re paying out of pocket, ask about the cost of each visit and whether telepsychiatry appointments are available. Online care can sometimes be more affordable and flexible.
Get a diagnosis (if you don’t have one already)
If you haven’t been formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your first few appointments will focus on assessment.
Your provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and how your moods have changed over time. They’ll want to know about both “high” periods (mania or hypomania) and “low” periods (depression). They'll also ask how long these episodes lasted and what impact they had on your life.
There’s no single test for bipolar disorder. Most providers use a combination of approaches, including:
A detailed personal interview about your symptoms and life history
Input from family members or loved ones (with your consent)
Review of past medical and mental health records
Standardized questionnaires or mood charts
Observation of your mood and behavior over time
Sometimes, a provider can confirm a diagnosis in one or two sessions. In other cases, they may want to see how your mood patterns develop over several sessions. This can feel slow, but monitoring your symptoms over time can ensure the right treatment. Providers won’t leave you without care in the meantime, especially if you’re in crisis.
Your provider might determine that something other than bipolar disorder is resulting in your symptoms. For example, they might diagnose major depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder. It’s essential to listen to their reasoning and follow their treatment plan, as certain medications can worsen symptoms for bipolar disorder or other conditions.
But it’s also OK to get a second opinion — especially if your provider doesn’t have a lot of experience with bipolar disorder. A specialist may notice patterns or symptoms that a generalist could overlook.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder previously, bring along any relevant medical records. This might include past medication, lists, or notes from previous providers. This information can help your new prescriber understand what’s worked — and what hasn’t — so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Talk about medication options
Once you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your provider will walk you through your medication options. For bipolar disorder, this usually includes mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications.
Your provider will explain how each option works, what side effects to watch for, and how long it might take to notice a difference. They’ll also consider your medical history and other medications you're taking.
Feel free to share your preferences and ask questions during this process. Your input matters too. If you’ve tried medications before, let your provider know what happened, both good and bad. This can help guide their decision about where to start.
Take your medication
Once you and your provider agree on a plan, they’ll send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy. You can choose between a local pharmacy or a mail-order option, depending on what’s most convenient for you.
It’s important to take your medication exactly as prescribed. Missing doses or stopping suddenly can result in worsening symptoms or withdrawal. If you ever feel unsure about instructions, your pharmacist can go over them with you. Your provider can also answer any questions or concerns between appointments. Let them know right away if you’re having side effects that make you want to stop taking the medication.
Attend follow-up appointments and referrals
Almost always, your provider will schedule you for a follow-up appointment in a few weeks’ time. It can take time — sometimes weeks or months — to find the right medication and dosage for your needs. These visits give your provider a chance to see how you’re doing, make adjustments, and address any side effects you’re experiencing.
You can also use these appointments to discuss other types of support. Many people with bipolar disorder benefit from a combination of medication and therapy. So your psychiatric provider may refer you to a therapist or recommend support groups. Following through on these referrals can help you build a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Always check with your provider before stopping or changing your medication. Even if you’re feeling better, continuing treatment as prescribed is key to maintaining stability over the long term.
It’s essential to take your medication as prescribed, which is usually daily. Sometimes it can take a little while to see the full effects, so it’s important to keep taking the medication. Also, it would be a good idea to track your mood during the first few weeks.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Getting medication for bipolar disorder can sometimes be a confusing process. But finding the right medication can be a key part of your treatment plan. With the right support — often a combination of medication and therapy — you can manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, find balance, and regain a sense of control in your life.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Saya Des Marais
Saya graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in mental health from the University of Southern California in 2010. She formerly worked as a therapist and motivational interviewing trainer in community clinics, public schools, mental health startups, and more.
Her writing has been featured in FORTUNE, GoodRX, PsychCentral, and dozens of mental health apps and therapy websites. Through both her clinical work and her personal OCD diagnosis, she’s learned the importance of making empathetic and accurate mental health content available online.
She lives in Portland, Oregon but you can find her almost just as often in Mexico or in her birthplace, Tokyo.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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