Understanding Mood Stabilizers

What are mood stabilizers used for?

Mood stabilizers are used primarily for bipolar disorder, to treat and prevent both manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes. Lithium is the best-studied option with specific evidence for reducing suicide risk. Certain anticonvulsant medications (such as valproate or lamotrigine) are also used as mood stabilizers.

What to expect

• Mood-stabilizing effect can take several weeks to become fully established
• Regular blood tests are required for lithium and valproate to check the medication level and ensure it stays in a safe, effective range
• Consistency matters — taking the medication at the same time each day, and not skipping doses, helps maintain a stable blood level

Common side effects

• Lithium: increased thirst and urination, mild tremor, weight gain — report any of these to your psychiatrist
• Valproate: nausea, weight gain, hair thinning, tremor
• Lamotrigine: needs a very slow, gradual dose increase to reduce serious skin rash risk

Important safety notes

• Lithium levels are affected by dehydration, some other medications, and kidney function — inform any doctor treating you that you take lithium
• Valproate carries significant risk to a developing baby and is generally avoided in pregnancy or for women who may become pregnant, without specialist discussion
• Any new skin rash while starting or increasing lamotrigine needs urgent medical review
• Never stop a mood stabilizer abruptly without medical guidance, given relapse risk