Mood Stabilizers at College

Mood Stabilizers

There are a number of medications called "mood stabilizers" that are generally used to treat mania or bipolar disease. It is particularly important to diagnose and treat this disorder because it appears that there can be longer-term damage and increased likelihood of relapse if left untreated. Sometimes it is necessary to stay on these medications indefinitely.

Lithium carbonate is the most commonly used mood stabilizer and for several decades has been used as an effective treatment for mania. However, it does have a number of troublesome side effects, including weight gain, frequent urination, headaches, and nausea, and over time it can cause some chronic damage to the kidneys. One unique research finding about Lithium is that it is one of the only medications that is associated with a reduced incidence of suicide, so it bears consideration in cases of severe disorders.

Depakoat (Valproic acid) and Tegretol (carbamazepine) are other commonly used mood stabilizers. Along with Lithium, all re­ quire blood level monitoring to ensure safe use.

There is a whole generation of new medications which are being studied, most of which are used as anticonvulsants. These include Topamax (topiramate), Lamictal (lamotrigene), Trileptal (oxcarbazine), and Neurontin (gabapentin), which are being investigated for a variety of uses from mood stabilization to anxiety and sleep and weight management.

Key Points About Mood Stabilizers

• There is a high risk of relapse if the medication is stopped prematurely.
• Many of these medications require regular testing of blood levels.
• Some of the newer uses being explored for several of the mood-stabilizing medications described above include decreased appetite, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and pain management.