Mood stabilizers are most likely to be effective in treating manic excitement. These
medications are frequently used to treat such mental disorders as depressive disorders,
mania, and schizophrenia. Lithium, carbamazepine (Tegretol), and valproate are the common
mood stabilizers used for treatment.
With lithium, blood levels must be closely monitored and possible side effects include
vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and incoordination.
In the case of carbamazepine being prescribed, the physician should obtain baseline
kidney and liver function tests and monitor their functions periodically. Among the
possible side effects, are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting, rashes,
and photosensitivity. These medications should not be used with monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs).
As with carbamazepine, a liver function baseline should be established and liver
function monitored while taking valproate. Possible side effects include nausea,
vomiting, sedation, skin rash, hair loss, photosensitivity, depression, and behavior
changes. |
