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compiled by Kevin Furmaga, Pharm.D
Mood stabilizers are also referred to as Anti-manic agents. They are
primarily used to treat symptoms of mania. They are also useful in the
management of symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, agitation, impulsiveness,
and aggression.
First-Line Mood Stabilizers
| Generic (Common) Name |
|
Brand Name |
| Carbamazepine |
|
Carbatrol®, Tegretol® |
| Lithium |
|
Eskalith®, Lithobid® |
| Valproic Acid |
|
Depakote®, Depakene® |
Second-Line Mood Stabilizers
| Generic (Common) Name |
|
Brand Name |
| Gabapentin |
|
Neurontin |
| Lamorigine |
|
Lamictal |
| Topiramate |
|
Topamax |
| Oxcarbazepine |
|
Trileptal |
Except for lithium, all other medications in this class are also anti-seizure
drugs. These medications appear to help mania and related symptoms by
altering how nerve cells in the brain conduct their signals.
Lithium, valproic acid, and carbamazepine are considered to be the first-line
medications for treating manic symptoms. These 3 drugs also require therapeutic
monitoring which means that testing of blood on a regular basis increases
the chances of a therapeutic benefit and reduces the risk of adverse drug
events.
The second-line medications in this group are still being studied, but
appear to help some people with a bipolar disorder. They are usually prescribed
to people who do not tolerate or do not benefit from first-line medications.
Gabapentin is not effective for manic symptoms, but may help mild to
moderate symptoms of irritability, impulsiveness, and anxiety in certain
patients.
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TODAY: Psychopharmacology in the New Millennium
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