Mood Stabilizing Drugs

Drug of choice for Bipolar Disorder

Reduces or eliminates manic symptoms and supresses mood swings.

• nausea
• fine hand tremor
• polyuria
• polydipsia

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• sedation
• slurred speech
• confusion
• loss of coordination
• seizures
• coma
• death

Avoid fluctuation in salt intake.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other diuretics.

Because of adverse effects on certain body tissues, contraindicated for people with cardiovascular, kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal problems.

Effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder for people who haven't responded to lithium.

More effective than lithium for those who experience frequent mood swings ("rapid cyclers")

• dizziness
• ataxia
• visual disturbances
• anorexia
• nausea
• rash
• cardiovascular functioning (contraindicated for people with cardiac conduction)

*Careful blood monitoring is required.