Mood Disorders - Can Medication Help?

You know your moods are more extreme than those of your friends. You’re afraid they may interfere with your social life, relationships, even your job; maybe they already have. You’ve tried everything from self-medicating with alcohol or marijuana or other drugs, to exercise, diet changes, and reducing stress. When you were feeling especially bad you went to a counselor, who offered the same suggestions, but also mentioned that medication might help, but you want to know more.

Traditionally, lithium has been used to stabilize moods in manic-depressive (bipolar) individuals. In the 1990’s, doctors began treating mood disorders with anti-convulsants, beginning with carbamazepine, and later, depakote. More recently, lamictal, a newer anti-convulsant has been prescribed, with fewer side effects for some. There are some drugs specifically formulated to mitigate and/or prevent manic episodes, and anti depressants are sometimes prescribed for isolated depressive episodes, although there is no scientific evidence that anti-depressants alone are effective in treating bipolar disorders. Mood stabilizers are generally needed to prevent extreme highs and lows.

It is important to be open with your medical professional about side effects and changes in your behavior, in order to find the best drug and dosage. Many individuals must try several different medications before finding the most help. And remember, bipolar disorders can be lethal. One of the most common causes for serious relapse is that patients stop taking their medications when they feel better. If you find a medication that helps you stay balanced, keep taking it unless your physician tells you to stop. You can find details about medications on various internet sites and libraries, as well as support groups.