For people with bipolar disorder, the right medication can be life changing. Around 1 in 40 people in the United States age 18 and older have bipolar disorder. One of the symptoms that’s most common with bipolar disorder is manic and depressive cycles. These cycles can move back and forth between extreme emotional highs and incredible downs and depression. 

Medication is a vital part of a treatment plan for someone with bipolar disorder. It’s not a cure-all for your mental health disorder. However, it’s an excellent tool that can help keep your moods in balance so you don’t have to cycle back and forth so severely between depression and mania.

But how do you know the difference between different medications and which one is right for you? We’ll explore how mood stabilizers can help bipolar disorder, plus common medications that may help you balance your life.

How mood stabilizers can help bipolar disorder symptoms

Mood stabilizers are a common treatment for bipolar disorder with severe cycles of mania and depression. The goal of these medications is to reduce mood swings and prevent manic and depressive episodes. The right mood stabilizer can help you decrease manic and depressive episodes and help you live a more balanced life with bipolar disorder.

While the term “mood stabilizer” can sound scary, it doesn’t prevent all moods from occurring. Your mood can still change during the day while on a mood stabilizer. The medication is just to help with full episodes of mania or depression that last for an extended period of time.

Additionally, not all mood stabilizers are made of the same chemical substances. Many are made of different types of chemicals and don’t work in quite the same way. However, they’re often grouped by health care professionals because they all work to stabilize the cycle of mania and depression.

Mood stabilizers can take several weeks to take full effect. For this reason, your health care professional may prescribe other psychiatric medications, such as antipsychotics, in the early stages of your treatment. This can help balance your mood as the new treatment kicks in.

Depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have, you may require different medication. Some bipolar medications are better for treating mania, while others might be more helpful with depression.

People with bipolar disorder can take antidepressants, but they should always be taken with a mood stabilizer. Otherwise, the antidepressants can trigger a person with bipolar disorder into a manic episode. If you think your medication is causing your bipolar disorder symptoms to worsen, talk to your health care professional immediately.

Common mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder

Three main types of medications are used as mood stabilizers for people with bipolar disorder: lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. There are several different types of medications within each of those groups. Let’s take a look at each of them:

Lithium mood stabilizers:

• Lithium carbonate (Camcolit, Priadel, Liskonum)
• Lithium citrate (Li-liquid, Priadel)

Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Valproate (Depakote, Epilim)

Antipsychotic mood stabilizers:

• Haloperidol (Dozic, Haldol, Haldol Decanoate, Serenace)
• Olanzapine (Zalasta, Zyprexa, ZypAdhera)
• Quetiapine (Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide, Zaluron)
• Risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consta)

Depending on the symptoms of your bipolar disorder, your health care professional may prescribe from a specific group of medication. Mood stabilizers may take several weeks to take effect. If you are on a mood stabilizer, do not stop or switch your medication without your health care provider’s approval. Suddenly stopping your medication may result in symptoms of withdrawal or a return of your bipolar disorder symptoms.

Other treatments for bipolar disorder

You should never stop taking your medication for bipolar disorder without your health care provider’s OK. However, there are some things you can do in addition to your medication to help manage your bipolar disorder symptomsP 

• Psychotherapy — Therapy can be a great tool to help you identify unhealthy and negative thoughts and behaviors. Your therapist can also help you learn what positive thoughts and behaviors you should focus on instead. Learning coping skills in therapy can also help you feel more confident navigating your day-to-day life. 
• Substance use treatment — Substance use disorders are very common for people with bipolar disorder. While substances such as alcohol or nicotine may make you feel better in the moment, they can also trigger or worsen an episode of mania or depression.
• Treatment programs — A specialized treatment program may be very helpful for your bipolar disorder. If you’re struggling with severe bipolar disorder that’s significantly affecting your ability to function, your health care provider may recommend a hospitalization treatment program.

Through a combination of medication and supporting treatments, you can live a balanced life with bipolar disorder. Our licensed clinical experts at Lightfully Behavioral Health are here to help you navigate that journey.

Living a balanced life with bipolar disorder is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.