How Mood Stabilizers Work
Mood stabilizers work by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain to maintain a stable mood state. Lithium, for instance, affects the regulation of serotonin and norepinephrine, two critical neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. It also impacts the activity of second-messenger systems within neurons, which play a role in cell communication. Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers like valproate and carbamazepine stabilize mood by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, a neurotransmitter that inhibits excessive neuronal firing. Understanding the mechanisms of these drugs helps clinicians personalize treatment plans and manage potential side effects more effectively.