I have Bipolar. What is a good mood stabilizer?

Answer 1

You have to understand that not all medications work for all patients. What works for me, may not work for you, and so forth. Also changes to the treatment plan may be needed at various times during the course of bipolar disorder to manage the illness most effectively. A psychiatrist should guide any changes in type or dose of medication. Be sure to tell the psychiatrist about all other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or natural supplements you may be taking. This is important because certain medications and supplements taken together may cause adverse reactions


* Lithium, the first mood-stabilizing medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of mania, is often very effective in controlling mania and preventing the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes.

* Anticonvulsant medications, such as valproate (Depakote®) or carbamazepine (Tegretol®), also can have mood-stabilizing effects and may be especially useful for difficult-to-treat bipolar episodes. Valproate was FDA-approved in 1995 for treatment of mania.

* Newer anticonvulsant medications, including lamotrigine (Lamictal®), gabapentin (Neurontin®), and topiramate (Topamax®), are being studied to determine how well they work in stabilizing mood cycles.

Anticonvulsant medications may be combined with lithium, or with each other, for maximum effect.

*Atypical antipsychotic medications, including clozapine (Clozaril®), olanzapine (Zyprexa®), risperidone (Risperdal®), quetiapine (Seroquel®), and ziprasidone (Geodon®), are being studied as possible treatments for bipolar disorder. Evidence suggests clozapine may be helpful as a mood stabilizer for people who do not respond to lithium or anticonvulsants.

Answer 2

I agree with The "worm", Depakote is a mood stabilizer that I used to take. The psychiatrist said that the course of treatment would be between 1-2 years of taking it regularly, some may disagree and prescribe it for life. I believe that the condition can be controlled and/or reversed. Once you know what it is and you're absolutely sure you've got it- there is help. The biggest problem is getting an accurate diagnosis. My Mother, who probably knows me best, second my future ex- wife, friends, etc. would say that I'm not BP. BP can be mistaken for Aspergers Syndrome, Autism, "Indigo" and many other conditions that are interrelated or have similar external symptoms. There is hope and one can function, sometimes better than others.

Answer 3

Recognize what sets you off, find a happy place with situations. The drugs prescribed, I guess some can work.
My husb was just diagnosed Bipolar, weve tried drugs, dont like them, to many side effects. We are working on what sets him off and finding ways to deal. He also sees councel 2xmonth. He had trouble keeping work for long. By 40 yrs old we found the pattern. He is now on social security disability.
Most Bipolar try to medicate themselves drugs and alcohol, the doctors drugs didnt work either. It is a battle daily for him, he has come a long way without drugs, Meditation is the best mood stabilizer.

Answer 4

Seroquel has worked well for me. It also helped with my sleep. I am currently taking 100mg 20 - 30 minutes before bed time. If I get 7 or more hours sleep I have no problem. I do sleep well with it. If I forget to take it I only sleep 2 - 3 hours and that is broken. But my mood is great, very level. There is a possibility of developing diabetes while using this drug. Your doctor will monitor this and will likely do blood tests before prescribing it.

For more information on Seroquel, click the link below.

Answer 5

Tried and true: lithium carbonate,valporic acid.

Newer: atypical antipsychotics that are being used for bipolar: zyrexa

you may need an antidepressant on top of the stablizer.....for sure consult a specialist...all bipolars are not created equal.

Answer 6

I'm not sure what kinds of meds you've taken in the past..But my attacks come from stress and dumb sh-t I think of ,not even related to another.
I calmly sit down and clear my thoughts and do yoga and breathing exercise and after that I smoke some weed and zone to a happier place in my life..

Answer 7

I take Topamax. I have used lithium (when I was a teen), went toxic on depakote and was moved to tegretol and felt extremely sluggish, then moved to Topamax. seems to be doing the job.

Answer 8

There is a lot of good info on this subject right here.

Answer 9

go to a psychiatrist.. it must be hard....sorry for that! im a lil bipolar too...but i can control it!

Answer 10

I'm bi-polar too. I'm on Depakote, it's expensive but it works.