Mood stabilizers are among the medications doctors prescribe to control and manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Before a medication receives approval as a mood stabilizer, it needs to meet certain criteria. It must either provide relief from sudden manic or depressive episodes or prevent the episodes from recurring and must not make these episodes worse. Finding the right mood stabilizer may be a process of trial and error.
Lithium
Lithium is the oldest mood stabilizer in use, as doctors have been prescribing it in the United States for 30 years, according to the Healthy Place mental health website. It has the greatest effect on those who experience pure manic episodes with few symptoms of depression. When a doctor prescribes additional mood stabilizers, lithium can be helpful for depressive episodes.
The Mayo Clinic reports that lithium can cause kidney and thyroid problems, therefore periodic blood tests are needed to ensure they are functioning properly. Common side effects include weight gain, tremors and problems with the digestive tract, such as nausea.
Depakote
Known generically as divalporex, Depakote is an anticonvulsant, or seizure medication, doctors prescribe to help stabilize moods in those with bipolar disorder. Healthy Place reports it is effective in treating those who suffer from both manic and mixed episodes and in those who suffer from rapid cycling, or quickly jumping back and forth between manic and depressive episodes. It may also work for patients whose situation is made worse by substance abuse and anxiety disorders.
Depakote differs from other mood stabilizers in that it provides faster relief because it can be given in larger doses. The most common side effects of this medication include weight gain, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, feeling tired and tremors. Healthy Place states that close monitoring of Depakote levels in the blood, which leads to dose adjustment, can minimize these side effects.
Tegretol
Another anticonvulsant, Tegretol--known also as carbamazepine--works similarly to Depakote, although fewer clinical studies are available to support its use. While effective in treating both manic and mixed episodes, it is also effective in treating other types of bipolar conditions, such as those responsible for episodes of depression and hypomania.
According to Healthy Place, Tegretol may suppress bone marrow and cause inflammation of the liver, therefore periodic blood tests are needed to ensure the health of patients taking this drug. It may also react adversely with other medications, which requires close monitoring when a patient is taking other medications.
Topomax
A fairly new anticonvulsant, Topomax is effective for treating manic episodes. Also known as topiramate, this medication has a number of side effects. While other anticonvulsants tend to cause weight gain, Topomax may actually cause patients to lose weight. Additional side effects include tiredness, memory problems and dizziness. It should not be taken by those who have kidney stones.
