Mood Stabiliser Medication

About this guide

This page explains mood stabiliser medicines in general terms to support understanding and informed conversations with a prescriber. It does not give doses or recommend specific medicines, which are individual decisions for a qualified doctor. Some of these medicines require careful monitoring, which is one reason they must never be taken without proper medical supervision or obtained informally.

What they are

Mood stabilisers are prescription medicines used mainly in bipolar disorder, both to treat episodes of mania or depression and, importantly, to prevent future episodes and keep mood steady over time. By smoothing out the extreme highs and lows, they help a person maintain stability and function. Some are also used to add to antidepressants in difficult-to-treat depression.

The group includes a well-established medicine that has long been a cornerstone of bipolar treatment, as well as several medicines originally developed for epilepsy that also stabilise mood, and some antipsychotics are used for this purpose too (see our antipsychotics guide).

The main types, in general terms

The classic mood stabiliser is a naturally occurring salt that remains one of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder and for preventing relapse; it requires regular blood tests to keep the level both safe and effective, which is a key part of using it well. Several anti-seizure medicines also act as mood stabilisers and are chosen in particular situations. The choice among them depends on the person, the pattern of their illness, other health factors and, for women, plans around pregnancy, since some are not safe in pregnancy. These are decisions for the prescribing specialist; this guide is for understanding only.

What to expect

Mood stabilisers are often taken long-term, because much of their value is in preventing future episodes, so consistency matters even when a person feels well. Some require regular blood tests, both to check the medicine's level and to monitor the body's response, and keeping these appointments is essential for safety. Side effects vary by medicine and should be discussed openly with the prescriber, who can adjust treatment.

Important things to know

In bipolar disorder, staying on a mood stabiliser as prescribed is one of the strongest protections against relapse, and stopping, especially suddenly, is a common trigger for episodes; any change should be made with the specialist. Never take someone else's medicine or obtain these informally, and always attend monitoring appointments where required. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss this with their doctor, as it affects the choice of medicine.

When to seek help

If you have bipolar disorder or significant mood swings, speak with a doctor, ideally a psychiatrist, about whether a mood stabiliser could help. If you are on one and have concerns, raise them with your prescriber rather than stopping. Our bipolar guide explains the condition, and our Get Support page can help you find services.