Mood Stabilizer - Uses and Side Effects

Introduction

Mood plays a major role in the day-to-day activities of an individual. It influences the performance at work and personal relationships. Sometimes it is difficult to manage mood swings, especially when an individual suffers from mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. Managing mood swings is crucial, as it could have adverse effects on health. There are various methods like psychotherapy and talking therapy that helps overcome the mood swings of an individual. However, the intervention of certain classes of drugs called mood stabilizers is found to be more beneficial in improving the condition and aiding in a better quality of life. This article explains in detail the various types of mood stabilizers, their mechanism of action, side effects, and associated risks. A thorough understanding of the various drug aspects helps limit the associated risks and enhance the quality of life.

What Is a Mood Stabilizer?

A group of drugs primarily involved in the treatment of different moods is called a mood stabilizer. A few mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder, manifest as severe mood swings that include manic episodes and depression. The drug has been observed to be helpful in treating anxiety and borderline personality disorders.

What Are the Types of Mood Stabilizers?

The different types of mood stabilizers are listed below

• Lithium.

• Anticonvulsants.

• Antipsychotics.

• Antidepressants.

How Do Mood Stabilizers Work?

Generally, these drugs affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for regulating various emotions and behaviors. The drug targets specific neurotransmitters like:

• Norepinephrine.

• Serotonin.

• Dopamine.

Some of the common and most popular mood stabilizers are mentioned below

• The oldest and most widely used mood stabilizer is Lithium. It changes the sodium and calcium levels in the nerve cells (neurons), which in turn affects the release of neurotransmitters. The effectiveness of the drug may cause manic and depressive episodes occurring in bipolar disorder.

• Anticonvulsants are also helpful in stabilizing mood. Although these drugs were originally developed to treat epilepsy, it has been used in patients with bipolar disorder. The mechanism of action involves regulating the activity of neurotransmitters like glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid. The frequently used anticonvulsants include Carbamazepine, Valproic acid, and Lamotrigine.

• Another group of drugs to treat mood swings is atypical antipsychotics. These are newer classes of medication that treat psychosis and work by regulating the activity of Dopamine in the brain. Some examples are Ariprazole and Olanzapine.

What Are the Uses of Mood Stabilizers?

Mood stabilizers are primarily helpful in modifying brain activity by inhibiting certain neurotransmitters that are responsible for the changes. Neurotransmitters transmit signals to different nerve cells. The drug helps calm the patient down and significantly improves mood swings over time.

What Are the Side Effects of Mood Stabilizers?

The side effects of mood stabilizers are specific to each drug, which also has potential side effects. The side effects may vary for each individual. Some side effects of various types of mood stabilizers are listed below

Lithium:

• Tremors.

• Weight gain.

• Kidney problems.

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Increased risk of seizures.

• Thyroid problems.

• Increase in thirst.

• Frequent urination.

Anticonvulsants:

• Dizziness.

• Headaches.

• Liver problems.

• Skin rash.

• Hair loss.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Changes in blood cell count.

• Drowsiness.

• Risk of birth defects.

Antipsychotics:

• Weight gain.

• Sedation.

• Blurred vision.

• Diabetes.

• Increased risk of seizures.

• Restlessness.

• Movement disorders.

What Are the Alternatives to Mood Stabilizers?

Although managing certain mental conditions can be challenging, medications cannot be the solution for everyone. Apart from medications, the following are some of the alternatives to mood stabilizers.

• Interpersonal Therapy - It helps focus on relationships with other people and how an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings are influenced by relationships.

• Family Intervention - It involves practicing talking therapy between the family members and the patient.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This therapy focuses on understanding the feelings, thoughts, and behavior of the patient, which could be influencing each other.

How Long Does an Individual Require Mood Stabilizers?

The duration of drug intake may depend on various factors. The drug could be consumed for many years if it helps the individual feel stable and enhances the quality of life. Other alternatives are figuring out different coping mechanisms along with drug intake. For example, the doctor may recommend taking lithium for roughly about six months for better results. This is because some drugs take time to bring effective changes in the patient's mood. While taking lithium for almost three to five years, and there have not been any proven reports of relapse, then the doctor may alter the dosage eventually and stop the medication. It is always safer to stop mood stabilizers in a gradual manner. Sudden cessation of the drug could have serious adverse effects. After stopping the drug intake, it is crucial to undergo monitoring for a minimum of two years to prevent any relapse.

What Are the Risks Associated With Mood Stabilizers?

As mentioned above, there are various side effects associated with mood stabilizers. Some of the potential risks of the drug are mentioned below.

• The drug interacts with various medications, including over-the-counter drugs. This affects the efficacy of the drug and increases side effects.

• Drugs like Valproic acid are known to have higher risks of birth defects when consumed during pregnancy. Hence informing the doctor in case of pregnancy in the course of treatment helps avoid such risks.

• Drugs like Lithium may cause kidney disorders over time, especially when consumed in higher doses. Also, certain drugs could cause liver problems.

• The risk of suicide is common in individuals consuming mood stabilizers. Hence they require frequent monitoring.

Discuss the potential risks and talk to a healthcare provider for more clarity. This helps to outweigh the risks and understand the benefits before consuming the medication.

Conclusion

Mood stabilizers help to control the changes in mood in patients with mental health disorders by altering or inhibiting the neurotransmitter. These changes help stabilize the patient and improve clear thinking, and suppress conditions like depression and anxiety. With the help of mood stabilizers, it is possible to overcome many health conditions. Early diagnosis is the key to better recovery and an improved life.