Mood Stabilizers

What are mood stabilizers?

Mood stabilizers are medications used to reduce significant shifts in mood, including episodes of depression, irritability, hypomania, or mania. They are most commonly used in bipolar-spectrum conditions and are chosen based on a person’s symptom pattern, history, and treatment goals.

How do mood stabilizers work?

Mood stabilizers help regulate brain systems involved in emotional intensity, reactivity, and mood cycling. Different medications work in different ways, which is why treatment is individualized.

Common types of mood stabilizers

Abilify

Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole, a medication that can help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of mania, mixed episodes, irritability, and emotional dysregulation in appropriate clinical contexts. It is sometimes used alone and sometimes alongside another mood stabilizer.

Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is often used to help prevent future mood episodes in bipolar disorder, particularly depressive episodes. It is usually started at a low dose and increased gradually to reduce the risk of serious rash.

Depakote

Depakote is the brand name for divalproex sodium. It is commonly used for acute manic or mixed episodes and may be considered when symptoms include marked mood elevation, agitation, decreased need for sleep, or rapid shifts in emotional intensity. It requires thoughtful monitoring and is not appropriate for everyone.