Most of the time, mood stabilizers are used for manic depression.It can sometimes be used to treat schizoaffective disorder, impulse control disorders, depression, and mood swings associated with other mental disorders.There are special considerations for elderly patients when using mood stabilizers.Mood stabilizers can be used if you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions.
Step 1: Consider the substance.
One of the oldest and most popular mood stabilizers is lithium.This medication can cause problems in elderly adults, but it is effective for elderly patients.If you have co-occurring conditions such asrenal disease and cardiac insufficiency, your body may not metabolize the drug as quickly and can lead to toxicity.Poor hydration and restriction of salt can increase toxicity.Long term use of lithium can cause side effects such as delirium, sedation, cognitive dulling, and goiters.There are serious drug interactions between NSAIDs and angiotensin-converting enzyme.Let your doctor know if you're on these if it's a treatment option.
Step 2: Valproate is something to try.
Valproate, also known as divalproex sodium, is a mood stabilizer.It is often considered as effective as lithium.It was once used as an anticonvulsant, but is now used to treat the disorder.It may work better for people with both mania and depression.There are possible side effects of valproate in the elderly.It has been linked to an increased occurrence of pancreatitis in the elderly.
Step 3: Ask about the drug.
Carbamazepine is used to treat some types of bipolar disorder.Two of the most common symptoms of elderly bipolar disorder are rapid cycling and Irritable mania, both of which can be treated with carbamazepine.It has been used as a mood stabilizer for a long time, but you should only use it as an adjunctive treatment.The side effects of carbamazepine include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, loss of muscle control, and worsening of heart symptoms.After four to six weeks, carbamazepine will create its own metabolism and require more to keep your blood levels even.Carbamazepine can cause low sodium levels, so keep an eye on these levels while on this medication.Drug interactions can occur if you are also taking antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, corticosteroids, many antipsychotics and oral anticoagulants.
Step 4: It's possible to try lamotrigine.
lamotrigine is a mood stabilizer that may be helpful.It has been shown to be very effective against the disorder if it is taken with other drugs.There is a chance of toxicity in your blood and a lower dose of this medication will be prescribed.Your doctor should keep an eye on your blood levels because it may increase the chance of anemia.
Step 5: Start slow.
You should start slowly when taking mood stabilizers.You will be put on a small dose by your doctor.It helps prevent you from having too much of the mood stabilizers in your body.For a week or two, you will start with one dose and gradually increase it until your doctor gets you to the correct amount.Make sure you follow your doctor's orders for how much of your medication you take.
Step 6: There is a pill box.
A weekly pill box can help you keep track of what you take.When you are working towards the recommended dose for your mood stabilizer, this can be especially helpful.As soon as the week starts with the correct medication information, you can fill the pill box.You won't have to worry about missing a dose or forgetting what dose you need to take.
Step 7: Take it at night.
There are a lot of mood stabilizers that have harsh side effects.It can be hard to deal with some of these during the day.If you want to take your medicine at night, consider taking it during the day.If you sleep through the most likely symptoms, you can avoid some of them.Your doctor should approve this scheduling for your mood stabilizers.
Step 8: Keep an eye on your health.
Mood stabilizers can cause health issues.If you are taking most mood stabilizers, you should have your levels checked regularly.Toxic levels of the medication in your blood can cause serious health issues.A common symptom of carbamazepine is anemia.While on mood stabilizers, you should keep a check on your kidneys.New medications can affect your kidneys.If you have had a disease in the past, you should keep a close watch on your kidneys.
Step 9: There is a diagnosis of the disorder.
Before you can be prescribed mood stabilizers, you need to be diagnosed with a mental illness.You will have to be examined by your doctor.There will be a physical exam to rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms.Once your doctor rules these out, you will be sent to a mental health professional for a psychiatric analysis to determine which type of disorder you have.If you are having a manic or depression episode, the symptoms will vary.
Step 10: Ask about mood stabilizers.
Some forms of dementia can be treated with mood stabilizers.If you have dementia with impulsivity and aggression, your doctor may prescribe mood stabilizers.If you have dementia, you may be prescribed mood stabilizers.Depending on your case, the dose on these will be vastly different.Follow your doctor's instructions.
Step 11: Make sure to check for drug interactions.
Drug interactions are one of the biggest issues faced by elderly adults when they need to be prescribed medication.The possibility of interaction is high with common mood stabilizers.If you are working with your doctor to treat a mental illness, make sure he knows every medication you take to reduce the risk of interactions.Elderly adults are more likely to have drug interactions because they are prescribed so many more drugs.
Step 12: Make sure your condition is treated with medication.
Since mood stabilizers can be hard on an elderly adult's body, you should only take medication if it is necessary.Ask your doctor if there is any other way to treat your disorder.The need for medication is common in patients of all ages, but there may be alternative treatment options to consider before you are put in medication.