The Most Popular Mood Stabilizer, Ranked

Choose the mood stabilizer you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:43
In the journey towards mental wellness, finding the right mood stabilizer can be a pivotal step for many. With an array of options available, it becomes essential to gauge which ones meet the needs of diverse individuals effectively. By ranking these treatments, users can see which ones have been most beneficial for others in similar situations, guiding them towards informed choices. Your participation by voting helps ensure that this ranking reflects real-world experiences and preferences, making it a valuable resource for newcomers or those considering a change in their treatment plan. By engaging with this list, you contribute not only to your own knowledge but also aid others in navigating their options more confidently.

What Is the Most Popular Mood Stabilizer?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    Carbamazepine is used to treat bipolar disorder and seizures
    Carbamazepine is a widely used mood stabilizer primarily prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and bipolar disorder. It belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs called dibenzazepines. It is thought to work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
    • Generic Name: Carbamazepine
    • Brand Names: Tegretol, Epitol, Equetro, Carbatrol
    • Class: Anticonvulsant / Mood stabilizer
    • Medical Uses: Epilepsy, neuropathic pain, bipolar disorder
    • Mechanism of Action: Blocks sodium channels, inhibits nerve signals
  2. 2
    19
    votes
    Divalproex is used to treat bipolar disorder, seizures, and migraine headaches
    Divalproex is a widely used mood stabilizer medication that is primarily prescribed to individuals with bipolar disorder or seizures. It belongs to the anticonvulsant class of drugs and contains a compound called valproate sodium. Divalproex is known for its ability to regulate abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which helps in managing mood swings and preventing seizures.
    • Brand Name: Depakote
    • Generic Name: Divalproex sodium
    • Class: Anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer
    • Indications: Bipolar disorder, seizures, migraine prophylaxis
    • Administration: Oral tablets or extended-release capsules
  3. 3
    36
    votes
    Gabapentin is used to treat bipolar disorder and nerve pain
    Gabapentin is a prescription medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs. Gabapentin is also sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety disorders and to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal from drug or alcohol addiction. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain and affecting certain neurotransmitters.
    • Trade names: Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant
    • Medical uses: Treatment of epilepsy, nerve pain, off-label use for anxiety and addiction withdrawals
    • Administration: Oral (capsules, tablets, solution)
    • Dosage forms: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg capsules; 600 mg, 800 mg tablets
    • Half-life: 5 to 7 hours
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    Lamotrigine is used to treat bipolar disorder and seizures
    Lamotrigine is a mood stabilizer medication used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It belongs to the anticonvulsant class of drugs and works by inhibiting the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.
    • Brand Names: Lamictal, Lamictin, Lamogine
    • Generic Name: Lamotrigine
    • Drug Class: Anticonvulsant
    • Indications: Epilepsy, Bipolar disorder
    • Method of Use: Oral tablets, Chewable tablets, Dissolvable tablets, Extended-release tablets
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and prevent manic episodes
    Lithium is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the third single from their second studio album, Nevermind, in 1992. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band. Lithium became one of Nirvana's most popular songs, known for its powerful and catchy chorus.
    • Album: Nevermind
    • Release Year: 1992
    • Single Release: Third single
    • Genre: Grunge, alternative rock
    • Songwriter(s): Kurt Cobain
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Olanzapine is used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It belongs to the class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics, which work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.
    • Generic Name: Olanzapine
    • Brand Name: Zyprexa
    • Medical Uses: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression (as an adjunct treatment)
    • Administration: Oral tablets, intramuscular injection (short-acting)
    • Mechanism of Action: Blocks receptors for dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Quetiapine is used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
    Quetiapine, marketed under the brand name Seroquel, is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics.
    • Generic Name: Quetiapine
    • Brand Name: Seroquel
    • Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotic
    • Indications: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
    • Mechanism of Action: Blocks serotonin and dopamine receptors
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Risperidone is used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
    Risperidone (Risperdal) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It works by altering the effects of certain chemicals in the brain.
    • Drug Class: Atypical antipsychotic
    • Administration: Oral tablets, oral liquid, and long-acting injection forms
    • Dosage Forms: Tablets: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg
    • Half-life: 20 hours
    • Route of Elimination: Metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine and feces
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Topiramate is used to treat bipolar disorder, seizures, and migraines
    Topiramate is a medication primarily used for preventing migraines and treating epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It is thought to work by blocking certain signals in the brain that cause seizures and migraines.
    • Usage: Preventing migraines and treating epilepsy
    • Class: Anticonvulsant/antiepileptic drug (AED)
    • Mechanism of action: Blockade of certain brain signals
    • Form: Tablets or capsules
    • Dosage: Start with low dosage, usually once or twice daily
  10. 10
    4
    votes

    Valproic acid

    AbbVie Inc.
    Valproic acid is used to treat bipolar disorder, seizures, and migraine headaches.
    Valproic acid is a medication used to treat migraines and epilepsy. It belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs known as fatty acid derivatives. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to calm down overactive nerve signals. Valproic acid is available in oral tablets and capsules.
    • Trade Names: Depakote, Depacon
    • Class: Anticonvulsant
    • Usage: Migraine prevention, epilepsy treatment
    • Route of Administration: Oral
    • Dosage Forms: Tablet, capsule

Missing your favorite mood stabilizer?

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Ranking factors for popular mood stabilizer

  1. Effectiveness
    The mood stabilizer should be able to effectively manage and stabilize mood swings, reduce the intensity and frequency of manic and depressive episodes, and help prevent relapses in patients with bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.
  2. Side effects
    The side effects of a mood stabilizer can play a significant role in how well patients tolerate and adhere to treatment. The ideal mood stabilizer should have minimal side effects, or they should be easily manageable.
  3. Drug interactions
    Some mood stabilizers may interact with other medications, leading to unwanted side effects or decreased efficacy. It is essential to consider how well a mood stabilizer can be combined with other medications a person may already be taking.
  4. Long-term safety
    A mood stabilizer's long-term safety should be evaluated in terms of potential adverse effects on physical health, including risks associated with weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and kidney or liver damage.
  5. Ease of use
    Mood stabilizers with simpler dosing regimens and fewer required lab monitoring might be preferred due to increased compliance and adherence to treatment.
  6. Cost
    The affordability of a mood stabilizer could be a deciding factor in terms of accessibility and adherence to treatment for many patients.
  7. Time of onset
    The speed at which a mood stabilizer starts to take effect can be crucial for those experiencing mood episodes. Ideally, a mood stabilizer should have a relatively fast onset of action.
  8. Evidence and clinical guidelines
    The inclusion of a mood stabilizer in international and national clinical guidelines and recommendations from reputable medical associations should be considered when evaluating popularity and use in clinical practice.
  9. Expert opinions and patient reviews
    The opinions of healthcare professionals and the experiences of patients who have used a mood stabilizer can provide valuable insights into the medication's popularity and effectiveness.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular mood stabilizer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or mood stabilizer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1143 views
  • 173 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each mood stabilizer once every 24 hours. The rank of each mood stabilizer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular mood stabilizer

Mood stabilizers are a type of medication used to treat mood disorders like bipolar disorder and depression. These medications work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to stabilize mood and prevent extreme mood swings. There are several different types of mood stabilizers available, including lithium, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics. While each type of medication works differently, they all aim to achieve the same goal of helping individuals manage their mood and improve their quality of life. If you are considering taking a mood stabilizer, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is best for your specific needs.

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