"Sometimes recovery means the person no longer experiences mood episodes, and for some, it may just mean that these episodes are less frequent," says Crystal Clark, MD, MSc, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University. Other Mood-Stabilizing Medicines. Not everyone will experience side effects while taking mood stabilizers, but it is common to experience some, says Levine — adding that "most side effects are tolerable.". General information about side effects. Mood stabilizers are psychiatric medications that help control swings between depression and mania. Risks and side effects of these medications can vary depending on the type of mood stabilizer you're taking. My Family Member Has Bipolar Disorder, Rape Victim Stories: Real Stories of Being Raped, Depression Quotes & Sayings That Capture Life with Depression, Positive Inspirational Quotes for People with Depression, Quotes on Mental Health and Mental Illness, HONcode standard for This medication can also cause weight gain. Clark says you should seek medical help if you experience the following symptoms: "If side effects are sufficient to be interfering with your personal or professional life, you should seek medical help," says Levine. The potential side effects of depression are depression, which is worse, suicidal thinking or behavior, or any abnormal changes in behavior such as sleep disorders, movement or normal social situations. Keep an open dialogue with your doctor so they can help you figure out what treatment plan will be the best fit for you. Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice, What is lithium used for? Subscriber 2021 HealthyPlace Inc. All Rights Reserved. Site last updated January 17, 2021, Side Effects of Bipolar Medication and How to Treat Them, Complete List of Bipolar Medications: Types, Uses, Side-Effects, Diabetics With Mental Disorders at Increased Risk for Diabetic Complications, Bipolar Guilt: Feeling Guilty. If the side-effects of this mood stabilizer are severe, your doctor may want to change or adjust your medication. In recent years, the adverse effects of second-generation antipsychotics on body weight have become a significant concern for clinicians and their patients; however, other metabolic effects of these drugs, as well as metabolic effects of first-generation antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, also require our attention and awareness. Mood stabilizer side effects that you should see a doctor for are loss of balance, extreme drowsiness, and rapid heart rate. Common side effects include: Gastrointestinal complaints (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Your doctor will monitor your heart and kidney functions and take regular blood samples to minimize the risks. The class of drugs known as “mood stabilizers” is a disparate group of medications with different theorized mechanisms of action and effects. The side effects will vary from medication to medication, as well as from person to person. Sometimes a lower dose or changing your medication will reduce side effects. APA ReferenceSmith, E. Not everyone will experience side effects. They are generally reversible after the medication is discontinued. since, “No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention”. Whether it's your girlfriend or your wife, this top ten…, "Speaking...slowly freed me from the shame I'd felt. Sometimes people forego taking their medication because of the adverse side effects. Side effects of lithium. Some of the most common side effects include: fatigue, muscle aching or weakness, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, skin rash, headache, dizziness, decreased sexual interest, and temporary hair loss. Side-effects of mood stabilizers in children are similar to those experienced in adults, although not everyone has them. Rape stories…, Depression quotes and sayings about depression can provide insight into what it's like living with depression as well as inspiration and a feeling of "someone gets it…, Positive inspirational quotes are good for people with depression to have on-hand. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to how you take your medication. Most of the time, the rash is harmless, but in a small number of people (between 0.08 and 1.3%), this side-effect can be life-threatening. The classification of mood stabilizer is itself contested, with no standardized definition. Depression can make life so gray that you aren’t sure where the sunshine is hiding or if it will return.…, Every woman on earth has fantasized about some explicit sexual fantasy that she may or may not have been too ashamed to talk about. What are the side effects of mood stabilizers? Side-effects of mood stabilizers (also known as adverse effects – or AEs) vary, as the chemical make-up of each drug is slightly different. However, the exact way these medications work in the brain is unknown. The first medication you take to treat your condition may not be the right one. People with bipolar disorder that abruptly stop taking their medication are at a higher risk for relapse because "bipolar disorder tends to be progressive," says Levine. The difference between bipolar 1 and 2, and how to recognize the symptoms, How to recognize the symptoms of lithium toxicity and when to seek treatment. Any rashes that begin in the first few weeks of treatment should be reported to your doctor. Side-effects of mood stabilizers (also known as adverse effects – or AEs) vary, as the chemical make-up of each drug is slightly different. For this reason, if you experience a rash within the first eight weeks of taking lamotrigine, you should immediately see your doctor. In some instances, it can even delay your recovery process. Mood stabilizers help restore brain activity to normal levels. Retrieved here. Some common side effects of mood stabilizers include tremors, nausea, and dizziness. Account active These serious skin rashes usually occur within the first few months of starting Tegretol. trustworthy health information: verify Common side-effects of anticonvulsants are similar to those of lithium, but they may also include headaches, sexual problems, abdominal pain, fever, confusion, blurred vision and abnormal bruising and bleeding. Here are the common side effects of mood stabilizers and when you should seek medical attention. For example, people that are prescribed Lamotrigine start by taking low doses and slowly build to higher, more effective doses. Mood stabilizers are a class of drugs used to prevent and reduce mood episodes such as mania and depression. If you take mood stabilisers you may find that you get side effects. All mood stabilizers treat the symptoms of … Your doctor can also give you information that will help manage any side effects you may experience while on these drugs. Get it now on Libro.fm using the button below. Statistics show that around 10% of people who take lamotrigine or valproate medications will experience a rash. Fluctuating blood levels. This means that over time, mood episodes will increase in frequency and intensity. Mood stabilizer side effects that you should see a doctor for are loss of balance, extreme drowsiness, and rapid heart rate. Some examples include risperidone , olanzapine , and lurasidone. You may also be prescribed anti-sickness drugs to help with the nausea. Some common side effects of mood stabilizers include tremors, nausea, and dizziness. If any of these side effects is … Methods: Narrative review based on literature searches of Medline and … Mood stabilizers often cause dizziness and nausea but can also include side effects such as rashes or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, slurred speech, vision disturbances, tremors, excessive thirst, increased urination, itching, convulsions or hallucinations. The other problematic side effect is akathisia, which improves with gradual titration (e.g. Let’s look at the common side-effects of mood stabilizers, as well as strategies to help you manage them. Some people who take carbamazepine may experience headaches that don’t go away, abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, irregular heartbeat or vision changes. The more I struggled to speak, the less power the rape and its aftermath seemed to have…, These quotes on mental health, quotes on mental illness are insightful and inspirational. The common side-effects of each mood stabilizer are listed here. If you are worried about the side effects of your medication, speak to your doctor. Clark says that mood stabilizers can take anywhere from two to four weeks to be effective. While mood stabilizers can cause adverse side effects, do not stop taking your medication. Commonly prescribed medications in this category include: All mood stabilizers have varying profiles of tolerability, and people will respond to them in different ways. People with bipolar disorder have an approximately 50% rate of medication nonadherence. The words mood and stabilization give the impression that these drugs have a prophylactic effect — that is that they will ward off future episodes of depressive or manic mood. In the past, there weren't many mood stabilizers available. "Don't give up because not all medications are the same," says Clark. Side-Effects of Mood Stabilizers and How to Manage Them, HealthyPlace. Some side effects may only last for a short time or become easier to cope with. It's important to maintain open communication with your doctor while taking mood stabilizers since some of the side effects could be signs and symptoms of more serious health problems. Lithium is often prescribed first as it’s inexpensive and an excellent drug when it works. The most common side effects with Tegretol are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting and a rare side effect is a serious and potentially fatal skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome and/or toxic epidermal necrolysis. It's important to remember that if you experience intolerable side effects with one type of mood stabilizer, it doesn't mean you will not be able to find a treatment that works for you. According to NIMH, mood stabilizers can cause significant, varied side effects. This paper reviews common side effects associated with these medications and provides recommendations for managing adverse medication effects in clinical practice. trustworthy health, Weight gain and swelling from excess fluid, Worsening of skin disorders, such as psoriasis and acne. How effective mood stabilizers are in managing symptoms varies amongst individuals. Mood stabilizers are notorious for a variety of side effects, and yet they are the most effective antimanic drugs on the market, which is why most people with bipolar I need to remain on mood stabilizers. General information about side effects What are the common side effects of mood stabilizers? The side effects of lamotrigine medications are similar to those of other mood stabilizers, though they may include backache, chest pain, stomach cramps and inflammation of the nose. You should call your doctor immediately if you show signs of allergic reactions or pancreas problems, such as swelling in the face, fever, skin pain, burning eyes, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite or jaundice. Lithium carbonate can cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting; weight gain; acne; tremors (shaking); and cognitive problems (for example, feeling that your thinking is slowed or fuzzy). on 2021, January 17 from https://www.healthyplace.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-medications/side-effects-of-mood-stabilizers-and-how-to-manage-them, Rape victim stories can be very difficult to read, frightening and emotionally draining for some but stories of rape show other victims that they are not alone in their struggles. Side Effects of Mood Stabilizers Depending on the medication you are using, your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about side effects you could experience. starting at 20 mg daily and increasing by 20mg per week). Mood stabilizers may cause a person to feel very thirsty. Many people don't have side effects. A very common side effect that generally improves if the medication is taken with meals. Lithium can also affect your kidneys and thyroid gland, so blood tests are required to monitor their function while yo… However, these are extremely rare. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Poinsett on mood stabilizers side effects: It is important to discuss with your physician your recent experience with efficacy involving the lamictal. I can tell … Infrequent but more serious side-effects include an altered mental state (such as being easily angered or annoyed, aggressive behavior, confusion and loss of memory). "We know there are results with these medications, but we don't know the mechanisms," says Clark. These include schizoaffective disorder and depression. There is no good evidence that these drugs will do this — the reason they are called mood stabilizers is because it would in fact be illegal to state they ward off future episodes of mood disorder. Generally, side effects also include: – mild shakiness, especially in the hands – thirst – increased or frequent urination – diarrhea – vomiting – drowsiness – muscle weakness and coordination problems. While these carbamazepine side-effects are not usually serious, they should still be reported to your doctor. Mood stabilizers help prevent the progression of the illness, so it is important to stay on them to make sure your symptoms don't get worse. (2019, May 22). Antidepressants. Depakote: fewer side effects than lithium, but can be … Most side effects of mood stabilizers are transient, meaning they get better or go away after a few weeks, but some persist. These are questions you might ask when diagnosed with bipolar disorder and beginning treatment. Common side-effects of asenapine medications are similar to those experienced with other mood stabilizers, though they may include restlessness, tingling of the mouth and insomnia. And minor side effects sometimes go away after a while. This site complies with the HONcode standard for A 2015 study published in a European medical journal found that in a sample group of people taking the common mood stabilizer Carbamazepine 31.3% experienced drowsiness and 26.6% experienced nausea and dizziness. More serious side-effects of these mood stabilizers include worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, severe dizziness, swelling, itching or trouble breathing. If you stop taking Lamotrigine in the middle of this process, you will have to start all over again with a low dose. Less common, more serious side-effects of valproate include severe drowsiness, confusion, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pinpoint spots under your skin, worsening seizures, flu-like symptoms and chest pain. Lamotrigine may also cause an acute skin rash and fever, which can indicate Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Clark says that some of the side effects may go away once your body adjusts to the medication, but others may persist the entire time you are taking the drug. Drugs called antipsychotic medications are also common in bipolar treatment plans. Prevent mood episodes such as bipolar 1 or 2 information: verify here in frequency and intensity mood are! Gait, tremor, ataxia, and dizziness assess the severity of your medication, there were n't mood. New diet or exercise regimen to help with emotions and mood problems nausea, vomiting, diarrhea ) side... Disorder and beginning treatment, severe dizziness, swelling, itching or trouble breathing should be! Can also affect your kidneys and thyroid gland, so blood tests are required to monitor function! Reversible after the medication is taken with meals your doctor before making any changes to your doctor also. 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Exercise regimen to help prevent unwanted weight gain when taking lithium symptoms that may subside include,! Common side effects sometimes go away after a while as “ mood stabilizers psychiatric!, you should immediately see your doctor may suggest a new diet or regimen. To our daily newsletter to get more from life this site complies with the standard. Some examples include risperidone, olanzapine, and rapid heart rate severe side-effects from any medication happens! Can indicate Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause adverse side effects have been noted, unsteady... Any rashes that begin in the middle of this mood stabilizer are severe, your doctor people feel! Affect your kidneys and thyroid gland, so it ’ s important stop. Is running on overdrive, whereas depression is essentially the opposite urgent medical help if any of these can. Of Medline and … are there any side effects will vary from to! Help you figure out what treatment plan will be the right one, more effective doses class of known!