All of us have mood swings from day to day, from time to time, right? That's very normal. But some people can't control their mood, and they have to face situations where they suddenly become very happy (mania) and suddenly very sad (depression). It's at times like these that doctors talk about medications called 'Mood Stabilizers'. So today, let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly are 'mood stabilizers'?
Simply put, these are a class of medications that help control extreme mood swings, especially those with conditions like bipolar disorder .
Imagine, in a bipolar state, a person suddenly feels extremely happy, energetic, and acts recklessly without thinking about anything (mania). Also, there are periods of sudden depression, when life becomes so depressing and sad that they become bored. `Mood stabilizers` help to reduce the oscillation between these two extremes and maintain a stable, balanced state of mind.
With these medicines,
- Rapid changes in mood
- Insomnia problems
- Racing thoughts
- Engaging in risky work
It can greatly reduce symptoms such as. It also prevents the recurrence of these symptoms and reduces the need for more serious treatments such as hospitalization.
Are these only used for bipolar disorder?
No. Although primarily prescribed for bipolar disorder, doctors sometimes use these medications for other mental health conditions. For example:
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Depression
How does this medicine work inside the body?
This is a bit scientific, but I'll explain it simply. Our brains have special chemicals that carry messages between nerve cells. We call these neurotransmitters . These play a big role in controlling our emotions like happiness, sadness, and anger.
In some mental health conditions, the activity of these `Neurotransmitters` becomes unbalanced. `Mood stabilizers` regulate the activity of these chemicals in the brain, that is, balance them. When the chemical processes in the brain are balanced in this way, the extreme ups and downs of the mood are controlled.
How long does it take for the medicine to work?
This is a question that many people ask. `Mood stabilizers` are not a type of medicine that gives instant results like taking a Panadol. It can take a few weeks before you feel any difference.It may take a while.
Don't expect a big change overnight. You will start to notice small changes at first and only when you continue taking the medicine will you see good results.
Therefore, don't stop taking the medicine after two or three days because "this medicine doesn't work." It is very important to be patient and take the medicine exactly as the doctor says.
What are the main types of mood stabilizers?
There are several main types of mood stabilizers. Your doctor will choose the type that is most suitable for you, based on many factors, such as your medical condition and physical characteristics. Let's take a look at these main types.
| Type of medicine | Examples | Special things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium | Lithium is a naturally occurring element and comes under brand names such as Eskalith® and Lithobid®. | If you are taking this medication, you should have your blood lithium levels checked regularly. Because high levels of lithium in the blood can be dangerous, it is important to have blood tests as your doctor recommends. |
| Anticonvulsants | Valproic acid (Depakote®), Lamotrigine (Lamictal®), Carbamazepine (Tegretol®) | These were first introduced to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy. They were later found to be very effective for bipolar symptoms as well. |
| In addition to other types of medication, this type of medication can also help stabilize mood in some cases. | These can be used, especially, to control the mania of bipolar disorder. |
What are the possible side effects of this medication?
Like any medication, mood stabilizers can cause some side effects. These vary depending on the type of medication you take. But don't worry, most of these side effects will go away as your body gets used to the medication.
However, if these side effects persist or interfere with your daily life, never stop taking the medication on your own. Be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust the dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Can you become addicted to 'mood stabilizers'?
This is also a fear that many people have. `Mood stabilizers` are not 'addictive' drugs in the way we usually think of them. But there is something to understand here.
When you take this medicine for months, maybe years, your brain gets used to it. So if you stop taking it suddenly, your symptoms may come back. Or you may experience withdrawal symptoms. So, never stop taking your medicine suddenly without medical advice.
How do I know if I need this medicine?
Only your doctor can decide this. Whether you need a mood stabilizer or not depends on several factors.
- Your diagnosis and its severity: Do you have bipolar or another condition? How severe are the symptoms?
- Previous medications: Have you taken any mental health medications before? How did your body respond to them?
- Other health conditions: It is also important to know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other medical conditions.
The doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you after considering all of this.
How long do I need to take this medicine?
If you are prescribed mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder, you will likely have to take these medications for the rest of your life .
Just as someone with diabetes needs to take insulin every day, bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, so you may need to take this medication every day.
However, if this medication is given for other conditions, such as depression, it may be limited to a few weeks or months. That will be determined by your doctor.
Finally, there is one important thing to say. Even though these medications are called "mood stabilizers," they do not stop your mood swings 100%. You will still feel some sadness or happiness. But it will be less extreme and uncontrollable. So, don't stop taking the medication thinking, "Oh, this didn't completely fix my problem." Even if it doesn't work the way you think, it may be helping you. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Mood stabilizers are a type of medication that is mainly prescribed to control extreme mood swings that occur in conditions such as bipolar disorder.
- It can take several weeks for these medications to show results, so it's important to be patient and continue using them.
- Never stop taking this medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If you are taking certain medications, such as lithium, it is essential to have regular blood tests.
- These medications don't completely "cure" your mood, but they help you manage it better. This will greatly help you live a successful life.
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