Final answer:
The primary medications used to treat bipolar disorder are antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproate. Antipsychotic medications like clozapine and risperidone serve as adjunct therapy, especially during manic episodes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main medications used for the treatment of bipolar disorders are antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. In the case of manic episodes, mood stabilizers such as lithium and valproate are commonly used. Additionally, antipsychotic medications, which include drugs like clozapine and risperidone, can also be employed as primary treatment options or as adjunct therapy to help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder, including manic episodes.
Adjunct therapies for bipolar disorder may include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or deep-brain stimulation. In certain cases, other medications such as benzodiazepines may be used for their anxiolytic and sedative properties to help manage acute anxiety and sleep disturbances that can accompany mood episodes.