Mood Stabilizers: What They Do and How to Use Them Safely
Mood stabilizers keep intense highs and lows in check for people with bipolar disorder and some mood-related conditions. They prevent or reduce mania and depressive swings, help lower hospital visits, and give a steadier day-to-day mood. If you or someone you care for is starting one, practical knowledge about types, monitoring, and risks helps you stay safe and get better results.
Common mood stabilizers
The main drugs used are lithium, valproate (valproic acid), carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. Some antipsychotics, like quetiapine, also work as mood stabilizers in certain cases. Lithium is the oldest and can be highly effective at preventing suicide, but it needs blood tests and thyroid checks. Valproate and carbamazepine are anticonvulsants that help with mania; valproate is not safe in pregnancy. Lamotrigine is better at preventing depressive episodes than mania and has a lower risk of weight gain.
Side effects, monitoring and practical tips
Every drug has side effects you should expect and monitor for. Lithium requires regular blood level checks, kidney and thyroid tests. Valproate needs liver function and platelet monitoring and carries a risk of birth defects. Carbamazepine can affect blood counts and liver enzymes and interferes with many other medicines. Lamotrigine can cause a serious skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) in rare cases, so dose increases are gradual and you must report any new rash.
Take your medicine at the same time each day and don’t skip doses. Tell your prescriber about all other drugs, supplements, and alcohol use. Avoid dehydration and sudden changes in salt intake, especially while on lithium. If you’re planning a pregnancy or could become pregnant, discuss alternatives — valproate is typically avoided. Ask for a clear plan that covers blood tests, signs of trouble, and dosage changes.
Get urgent help if you have confusion, severe tremor, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, high fever, or a spreading rash. Contact your prescriber right away for new thoughts of harming yourself or if mood swings suddenly worsen. Routine side effects like mild nausea, drowsiness, or weight changes should be reported but aren’t always emergencies.
There’s no single best mood stabilizer for everyone. Doctors select medicines based on your symptoms, medical history, pregnancy plans, and which side effects you can tolerate. Often a trial of one drug or a combination is needed before finding the right balance.
Tell your prescriber about kidney or liver disease, past rashes, thyroid problems, and birth control plans. If you want more detailed guides on specific drugs, monitoring schedules, and practical tips, check the LetsGoPharm articles or talk to your psychiatrist.
Quick checklist before any change: confirm blood test dates, list all medicines and supplements, note pregnancy plans, record side effects and mood changes, and keep emergency contact details handy. Small steps like a pill box and a calendar reminder reduce missed doses and make monitoring easier.
Keep copies of your test results and medication list. If in doubt, call your healthcare team for clear next steps today too.
6 Effective Alternatives to Lamotrigine in 2025
Exploring alternatives to Lamotrigine in 2025, this article highlights various options for treating epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines. It covers the benefits and drawbacks of each alternative, providing insights into the pros and cons of medications like Valproate, known for its wide efficacy and particular risks. Readers will gain informative guidance to navigate treatment options tailored to their condition.