How Do Mood Stabilizers Work?

Mood stabilizers are a crucial component in managing various mental health disorders. These medications help individuals maintain a balanced mood and prevent the extreme highs and lows associated with conditions like bipolar disorder. Understanding how mood stabilizers work, their effects, types, and the conditions they treat can provide valuable insight into their role in mental health management. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but mood stabilizers like lithium, discovered in the 1940s, and other anticonvulsants, discovered in the 1970s and 1980s, have proven effective in providing significant relief from severe mood swings, although they do not cure them.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, call us today or verify your insurance online to take the first step to a healthier life.

What Do Mood Stabilizers Do?

Mood stabilizers are medications designed to balance mood swings, particularly in individuals with bipolar disorder. By regulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain, these medications help stabilize mood and reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes, allowing for more consistent and productive lives. Doctors also use mood stabilizers to treat schizoaffective disorder, depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, and some mental illnesses in children. Additionally, they can enhance the effects of other medications used to treat depression by decreasing abnormal brain activity. How long does it take for mood stabilizers to work can vary, but generally, it may take several weeks to notice significant improvements.

Effects of Mood Stabilizing Medication

The primary effect of mood stabilizers is to prevent extreme mood swings, helping individuals maintain a steady emotional state by moderating neurotransmitter activity. These medications are crucial in reducing symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, rapid mood changes, sleep problems, hallucinations, and delusions, and severe depression. Over time, mood stabilizers can significantly improve overall mental health, leading to better daily functioning. How long does it take for mood stabilizers to work can depend on the specific medication and individual response, but many people begin to see benefits within a few weeks to months.

Mood stabilizers are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. They also benefit individuals with conditions like schizoaffective disorder. The main uses for mood stabilizers include:

Reducing severe symptoms of mania or depression to manageable levels
Stabilizing mood swings
Preventing symptom relapses and hospitalizations

Even when symptoms are under control, mood stabilizers can prevent relapses and reduce the likelihood of re-hospitalization for individuals with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders.

What Are Different Types of Mood Stabilizers?

Several types of mood stabilizers are available, each with unique properties:

Lithium

One of the oldest and most effective mood stabilizers, particularly for bipolar disorder.

Forms: Lithium carbonate (Camcolit, Pradel), Lithium citrate (Li-liquid)
Common Side Effects: Nausea, weight gain, fatigue, tremors.
Serious Side Effects: Vomiting, slurred speech, diarrhea, confusion.

Doctor speaking with patient at valor behavioral health going over how long does it take for mood stabilizers to work

Anticonvulsants

Originally used to treat seizures, these medications are also effective mood stabilizers.

Examples: Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), Valproate (Depakote)
Common Side Effects: Fatigue, weight gain, nausea, headache.
Serious Side Effects: Vomiting, abdominal pain, liver damage, vision problems.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Used particularly for treating bipolar disorder.

Examples: Haloperidol (Haldol), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Risperidone (Risperdal)
Common Side Effects: Weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, nausea.
Serious Side Effects: Vomiting, low blood pressure, uncontrollable movements, blurred vision.

Are Antidepressants Mood Stabilizers?

Antidepressants, designed to lift mood during depressive episodes, are not classified as mood stabilizers. While they effectively treat depression, they may trigger manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are often used alongside antidepressants to prevent these potential mood swings. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best medication regimen, ensuring balanced treatment for mood disorders.

Signs You May Need a Mood Stabilizer

Recognizing when you may need a mood stabilizer is crucial for maintaining mental health. Here are key signs that indicate the need for this type of medication:

Frequent Mood Swings: Rapidly shifting from high to low moods.
Intense Euphoria Followed by Severe Depression: Experiencing extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).
Emotional Instability: Struggling to maintain relationships due to unpredictable emotions.
Manic or Hypomanic Episodes: Showing symptoms of mania (e.g., overconfidence, racing thoughts, risky behavior) or hypomania (milder symptoms of mania).
Daily Life Disruption: Inability to function effectively in daily activities due to mood fluctuations.
Additional signs include:
Mania: Excitement without reason, irritability, fast talking, distractibility, risky behaviors, and grandiose thinking.
Depression: Persistent low mood, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.

If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Mood stabilizers can help manage these symptoms and improve overall well-being. How long does it take for mood stabilizers to work can be a concern for many, but a healthcare provider can offer guidance tailored to individual needs.

What Conditions Do Mood Stabilizers Treat?

Mood stabilizers are primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. They can also be used to manage:

Schizoaffective disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Cyclothymic disorder

Certain forms of depression that do not respond to standard antidepressants

Can Mood Stabilizers Treat Anxiety?

While mood stabilizers are not primarily prescribed for anxiety disorders, they can help manage anxiety symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder or other mood-related conditions. In some cases, mood stabilizers are used alongside anti-anxiety medications to provide comprehensive treatment.

Are There Always Side Effects From Mood Stabilizers?

As with any medication, mood stabilizers can have side effects, though not everyone will experience them, and they often diminish over time. Common side effects include:

Weight Gain
Drowsiness
Tremors
Gastrointestinal Issues
Increased Thirst and Urination
Some additional possible side effects are:
Rashes or Itchy Skin
Slurred Speech
Blackouts or Confusion
Blurred Vision
Loss of Coordination

If you experience severe side effects like sudden rash, breathing difficulties, muscle stiffness, or excessive daytime sleepiness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

How To Reduce Risk or Severity of Side Effects from Mood Stabilizers

To minimize the risk or severity of side effects:

Follow Prescriptions: Take medications exactly as prescribed.
Regular Monitoring: Attend regular check-ups to monitor medication levels and side effects.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration.
Report Issues: Communicate any side effects to your healthcare provider promptly for adjustments.

Additionally, eating nutritious meals and staying well-hydrated, exercising regularly to manage weight, limiting caffeine and sodium intake, and reducing or quitting smoking will also benefit your body as it works with mood stabilizers.

Can Mood Stabilizers Change Your Personality?

Mood stabilizers are designed to stabilize mood without fundamentally changing your personality. They aim to reduce extreme mood swings, allowing your true personality to shine through without the interference of severe emotional fluctuations. If you feel significant personality changes, consult your healthcare provider, as this may indicate the need for a medication adjustment.

Call Us At Valor For Support

If you or a loved one is struggling with mood swings or has been diagnosed with a mood disorder, help is available. At Valor Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia, we offer comprehensive mental health services tailored to your needs. Our experienced team provides personalized treatment plans to help you achieve stability and improve your quality of life. Call us today or start the admissions process now for support and guidance on managing your mental health effectively.