Anticonvulsant Mood Stabilizers

Psychiatric

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Examples

valproic acidcarbamazepinelamotrigine

Prefix / Suffix: No consistent suffix

Physiology

Mood instability in bipolar disorder may stem from neuronal hyperexcitability. Anticonvulsants stabilize neuronal membranes.

Mechanism of Action

Stabilize neuronal membranes via sodium channel blockade, GABA enhancement, or glutamate inhibition, reducing mood swings.

Indications

Bipolar disorder — acute mania and maintenance
Lamotrigine: bipolar depression and maintenance
Also used as antiepileptics

Side Effects / Adverse Effects

Valproic acid: hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, weight gain, tremor, hair loss, teratogenicity
Carbamazepine: bone marrow suppression, hyponatremia (SIADH), Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Lamotrigine: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (risk increases with rapid titration)

Contraindications

Pregnancy (especially valproic acid — neural tube defects)
Hepatic impairment (valproic acid)
Bone marrow suppression (carbamazepine)

Nursing Considerations

Monitor LFTs and CBC at baseline and periodically
Titrate lamotrigine slowly to reduce Stevens-Johnson risk
Report any rash immediately — could be Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Counsel women of childbearing age about teratogenicity and contraception
Monitor sodium with carbamazepine (hyponatremia)
Many drug interactions — check before adding new medications

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Disclaimer: PharmPal Nurse is for education only and is not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make patient-care decisions; always verify with current drug references, your instructor, facility policy, and a licensed provider. In emergencies, call local emergency services.