What medications are most commonly used for treating bipolar disorder?

The treatment of bipolar disorder often requires a multifaceted approach that includes mood stabilizers and anticonvulsant medications. The medications listed in the chosen answer, which include Lithobid (lithium), Depakote (divalproex sodium), and Lamictal (lamotrigine), are well-established as effective options for managing the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder.

Lithobid is particularly known for its efficacy in stabilizing mood and reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. Depakote is often used for maintaining mood stability as well and is helpful in both manic and depressive phases. Lamictal is beneficial in preventing depressive episodes, making it a valuable addition to the treatment regimen.

In contrast, the other choices contain medications that might be used for various mental health conditions but are not typically front-line treatments specifically for bipolar disorder. For example, the medications in the first choice are primarily antidepressants, which can sometimes exacerbate manic symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. The third choice lists atypical antipsychotics that are indeed used for managing acute manic or mixed episodes, but they serve a different purpose than the more specific mood stabilizers found in the correct answer. The last choice includes benzodiazepines