Mood stabilizers are types of medication that can reduce symptoms of a mental illness like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and many other problems. Psychiatrists often use antidepressants during treatment to allow the patient to feel more stable as they work through issues during psychotherapy sessions. Mood stabilizers can be very safe and effective to use for long periods of time but at times they can include a range of different side effects.
Common Immediate Side Effects of Antidepressants
Some of the immediate side effects of using antidepressants can lead to some mild physical discomfort. Symptoms like dry mouth, bloating, joint or muscle pain and restlessness are common reactions to the use of antidepressants. Other mood stabilizers may cause issues like drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, heartburn or even mood swings.
If side effects are persistent and seem too uncomfortable for the patient they may be able to switch to a different medication to see if another option leads to less side effects. Trying a few medications to see which one suits the patient is often a good practice to figure out how to help them feel their best. Everyone reacts differently to certain types of prescriptions and it may take a combination of medications to help the patient feel better.
Risk Factors and Monitoring for Serious Side Effects
It is important to be cautious with medication and change it whenever more serious issues such as mood swings appear. Although it is very rare there are some cases where medication for mental illnesses have led to thoughts and even attempts at suicide. This can especially be a risk for people with bipolar disorder who may end up with rapid cycling or manic episodes.
Mood stabilizers can be an effective part of psychological treatment but it is important for people to be aware of the risk of side effects. If you experience any side effects with your medication, notify your doctor as soon as possible.
