Bipolar Disorder Mood stabilizer can help those suffering from bipolar disorder lead more balanced and secure lives. They’re not a cure but when utilized properly they can help prevent extreme mood fluctuations and increase the living quality. In this post we’ll look at the different types of mood stabilizers what they do, how they work and the various types of them available, and what you need to know prior to beginning treatment.
What Are the Mood Stabilizer?
Mood stabilizers can be referred to as psychiatric drugs that can reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings that occur in bipolar disorder. These medications may help with:
- The Manic Episodes (elevated mood, more energy and the ability to be impulsive)
- Depressive episodes (sadness or fatigue, despair,)
- Mixed episodes (symptoms of depression and mania simultaneously)
Mood stabilizer are usually the first option of treatment for those who suffer from bipolar I disorder, also known as bipolar II disorder type.
Why Mood Stabilizer Important?
Mood stabilizers are vital in preventing relapses and keeping conditions under control. Bipolar illness is chronic in nature, meaning that the symptoms will return in time or late. If they do not receive treatment, those who suffer from bipolar disorder are most likely to suffer from recurring mood swings, usually with more severe symptoms.
Consistently using mood stabilizers may:
- Reduce hospitalization risk
- Lower suicide risk and thoughts
- Enhance the social and work performance
- Help maintain long-term mood stability
How Does Mood Stabilizer Work?
Mood stabilizers function by altering the neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine as well as glutamate. The brain’s chemicals are responsible for an important part in controlling mood, energy levels and emotional reactions.
Each medicine works in a different way:
- Certain drugs reduce the overactivity of the brain’s circuits in mania.
- Others boost moods in depressive episodes.
- Many people can prevent mood swings completely by using long-term usage
Types of Mood Stabilizers
There are a many of classes of mood stabilizers, each having distinct advantages and adverse effects. Certain are FDA-approved to treat bipolar disorders, and others are not listed on the label.
1. Lithium
- Names of brands: Lithobid, Eskalith
- The FDA has approved the treatment for Bipolar I disorder
- What it does: Modifies the sodium transport within nerve cells, and stabilizes mood swings
- Benefits:
- Reduces the risk of suicide
- Effective in manic and depressive episodes.
- Most often, it is used as a long-term treatment
- Reduces the risk of suicide
- Side Effects:
- Weight loss
- Hands shake
- Urinary retention and thirst increase
- Dryness of Mouth
- The thyroid and kidneys could be at risk.
- Weight loss
- Monitoring: It is required to conduct periodic blood test to determine the levels of lithium.
2. Anticonvulsants
The drugs were originally developed to treat epilepsy The drugs are highly powerful mood stabilizers.
A. Valproate (Divalproex sodium)
- The brand name is Depakote
- The best for you is acute manic episode Rapid cycling
- Side effects: Nausea, liver toxicity, hair loss, weight gain
b. Carbamazepine
- The brand name is Tegretol or Tegral
- Ideal for: Mania particularly in patients who are not responsive to lithium
- Side effects: Dizziness blurred vision, and low white blood cells count
c. Lamotrigine
- The brand name is Lamictal or Lojin
- Best for: Bipolar depression prevention
- Effects: Rash (potentially serious) headache, nausea
3. Atypical Antipsychotics
They are usually used in conjunction with mood stabilizers, or as stand-alone treatments.
- Examples:
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) Most Commonly Used
- Lurasidone (Latuda)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Uses It is effective for both depression and mania
- The side effects include drowsiness, weight increase or metabolic problems
4. Other Medications (Adjuncts)
Sometimes, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are used in conjunction with mood stabilizers for managing certain symptoms. But, taking antidepressants on their own can cause Manic attacks in bipolar sufferers. They are seldom used in conjunction with an underlying mood stabilizer.
What to Expect When Starting a Mood Stabilizer
The decision to start a treatment for mood stabilization could be a major decision however, it is accompanied by an adjustment phase. Here are some things to be aware of:
1. Delayed Onset
The majority of mood stabilizers won’t work in a single day. It can take between 1 and 3 weeks to see an improvement, and several months to reap the full benefits.
2. Monitoring Side Effects
The first signs of side effects could be nausea, drowsiness or dizziness. Always report unusual or serious symptoms to your physician. Certain drugs need regular blood testing (e.g. lithium, lithium, or the valproate).
3. Trial and Error
Finding the correct dosage and medication can be a lengthy process. Doctors can alter your prescription or experiment with different combinations until the right match is discovered.
4. Importance of Consistency
Mood stabilizers are only effective when taken consistently and according to the prescribed. Dosing too much or stopping medications abruptly could result in severe recrudescences.
Lifestyle Tips While Taking Mood Stabilizers
It is best to combine medication with lifestyle changes. Patients with bipolar disorder must:
- Keep a schedule: Regular eating, sleeping and workout
- Record mood changes Write down your thoughts in a journal, or make use of apps
- Beware of recreational and alcohol-related drugs. They can affect treatment
- Inform healthcare professionals Be honest about the symptoms and any side negative effects
- Keep yourself informed: Learn about bipolar disorder.
Are There Natural Mood Stabilizers?
Although prescription drugs can be the best method of treatment however, there are some who look into alternative or natural remedies. They shouldn’t be used in place of prescribed medication, but can serve as a complement to prescription medications.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil, they may help improve mood
- The magnesium content of the blood is are connected to depression
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) antioxidant that has mood-enhancing benefits
- CBT and mindfulness: and other strategies can help maintain for long-term stability
Always consult with your physician prior to taking any supplements.
Common Myths About Mood Stabilizers
“They will change my personality.”
Truth: Mood stabilizers can reduce extreme mood swings. They do not make you feel apathetic or alter who you are.
“I can stop taking them once I feel better.”
The truth is that feeling better frequently suggests that the medication is effective. The stopping of the medicine can trigger a relapse.
“All mood stabilizers cause weight gain.”
Truth: Some might however, not all. Options that cause less harm to the body are readily available.
How to Reduce Symptoms By meditation???
By Practicing meditation on a daily basis, I have found that it has had some profound impacts with respect to mental health.
To Meditate follow these 3 steps.
Find a dark room
Set a 30 minute timer
Lie down and close
your eyes.
Start by paying attention to your thoughts, and then slowly, pay attention to your breathing.
Over and over again for 30 minutes.
When your meditation session has concluded, be sure to write down any thought or idea that came to your mind.
If the idea is one that you can act upon, such as a phone call to a friend or family member: do it before you meditate again.
If u want Complete detail you can also visit How to manage Bipolar Disorder Complete Guide. Thanks
