Mood stabilizers are typically used to treat bipolar disorder and are prescribed for both short and long-term usage. Of course, many of these drugs require a patient to be closely monitored, along with modifying intake regimens in order to avoid bodily harm or death.
In addition, these mood stabilizers will aid in suppressing mood swings of mania and depression, which are often exhibited by individuals with bipolar disorder. Although, these medications can also be used to treat other disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and borderline personality disorder.
If you or a member of your family has been taking a mood stabilizer and is suffering from injuries, or has passed away as a result, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses with the help of a Cincinnati mood stabilizers lawyer. These compensation benefits may include; medical expenses, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of current and future wages. To learn more or discuss what damages may apply to you, seek the counsel of a dangerous drugs attorney today.
COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MOOD STABILIZERS
There are three commonly prescribed mood stabilizers which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration that are typically prescribed to individuals with bipolar disorders and other mood disorders. While prescribed to these drugs, patients should be closely monitored along with changing the dosage of the prescription to avoid bodily harm due to short or long-term usage.
The three commonly prescribed mood stabilizers include:
Lithium
Lithium has been prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder for several years and continues to remain the top agent for treating bipolar disorder. Of course, lithium treatment presents many challenges, due to the fact that it has a narrow index which required the monitoring of serum levels to avoid serious side effects.
Some side effects of lithium may include tremors, gastrointestinal problems, acne, weight gain, altered mental status, slurred speech, seizures, coma, chronic renal disease, diabetes, sick sinus syndrome, enlarged salivary glands, decreased salivary secretion, and possible death.
Valproic Acid
Valproic acid is commonly issued to treat acute manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. This drug has been used for many years; however it has become recognized in the 1980s and 1990s as it would begin to be commonly prescribed to individuals with bipolar disorder. Today it is marketed under the brand names; Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depakene Crono, Depakine, Depacon, Stavzor and Valparin.
Some side effects of valproic acid include nausea, somnolence, dizziness, lethargy, tinnitus, infection, and cognitive impairments. It can also cause many hematologic abnormalities which include low platelet count, low white blood cells, and bone marrow suppression. It is advised to avoid prescribing this drug to children as it can often cause severe liver damage, which can lead to death.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine is used for short term, or acute episodes, of bipolar type one and has also been issued to patients for the previous three decades. In some cases, carbamazepine is also prescribed to patients with epilepsy.
Some side effects of carbamazepine may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sedation, and a benign rash. Some more symptoms may include fever, oral and anal ulcerations, and sore throat.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is commonly prescribed to adults suffering from bipolar disorder and seems to have fewer side effects than other common mood stabilizers. With younger individuals, lamotrigine seems to cause more occurrences of rashes under certain circumstances.
Some side effects of lamotrigine may include; rash, weight gain, and birth defects. As previously stated, this drug seems to have much less side effects than other mood stabilizing prescription medications.
Any of these mood stabilizers may be prescribed to an individual with acute or long-term bipolar disorders. In any case, patients should be closely monitored to avoid any of the adverse side effects listed above. If you have become ill due to any of these medications, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention. In addition these medical documents can be used in the court of law against the negligent individual or entity responsible for these injuries. Speak with a Cincinnati mood stabilizers lawyer today.
