Which medication is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder?

Lithium is widely recognized as a primary and traditional mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings and stabilize mood, which is critical for individuals experiencing the highs of mania and the lows of depression associated with bipolar disorder. Lithium’s mechanism of action includes regulating neurotransmitter levels and influencing cellular signaling pathways, which contributes to its effectiveness in mood stabilization.

In addition to its established role in treating acute manic episodes, lithium is also effective in preventing future mood episodes. Its use in long-term treatment can significantly reduce the risk of relapse in bipolar patients, making it integral to managing this mental health condition.

Other options listed, such as sertraline and fluoxetine, are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily used as antidepressants and are not classified as mood stabilizers. Lamotrigine, while also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, is more effective for the depressive phase and not universally recognized for stabilizing mood across both poles as lithium is. Therefore, lithium stands out as the most commonly used mood stabilizer in the management of bipolar disorder.