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Understanding how mood stabilizers work can help clarify their role in the treatment of bipolar disorder, depressive episodes, or emotional imbalance connected to other mental disorders.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the term, possible causes such as abnormal brain activity, environmental factors, or childhood experiences, and ways to cope with symptoms like racing thoughts, depressed mood, or trouble sleeping—especially through natural approaches that support both emotional and physical well being.
This article explainswhat a mood stabilizer is, how mood stabilizers work, and the range of options available—from prescription medications like lithium carbonate and valproic acid to natural alternatives and supportive treatments.
Mood stabilizers affect the brain’s natural chemistry. They help calm overactive areas and strengthen the systems that manage mood, focus, and energy levels.
Mood stabilizers work by changing how certain brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, act. These include serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—messengers that help the brain send signals. When these chemicals are too active or not active enough, it can lead to manic and depressive episodes. Medications like lithium, valproic acid, and lamotrigine adjust these signals to prevent sudden mood changes. Some also affect how brain cells use energy or respond to stress, helping to keep thoughts and feelings from becoming too intense.
Mood stabilizers help reduce strong mood shifts by calming parts of the brain involved in emotion and reaction. They support more consistent emotional responses, making it easier to manage feelings and stay focused. For someone with bipolar depression or acute manic symptoms, these treatments can ease the extremes, leading to more stable energy, clearer thinking, and fewer racing thoughts or outbursts. They may support the body’s ability to maintain a more even emotional rhythm over time, improving daily life and long-term treatment outcomes.
Prescription mood stabilizers are often used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other serious mood conditions. These medications are designed to treat symptoms such as mood swings, acute manic episodes, and depressive episodes.
There are several types of prescription mood stabilizers, each working in different ways to help regulate mood. The most commonly prescribed include lithium-based medications, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers like valproic acid, and certain atypical antipsychotics. These are used to treat mania, bipolar depression, and other symptoms of mood disorder.
Types of Prescription Mood Stabilizers:
Lithium Carbonate / Lithium Citrate – One of the oldest and most studied mood stabilizers. It helps prevent both manic and depressive symptoms and is commonly used in long term treatment of bipolar disorder. Monitoring lithium levels is important while taking lithium, especially during the first few weeks.
Valproic Acid / Valproate – An anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It can be effective in managing acute manic episodes and is often used when lithium is not tolerated.
Lamotrigine – An anticonvulsant mood stabilizer often used in the maintenance phase of bipolar disorder to help prevent depressive episodes. It requires slow dose increases to avoid severe skin changes such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Carbamazepine – Used to treat mania and sometimes seizure disorders. It may also help those who don’t respond well to other medications.
Atypical Antipsychotics – Medications like quetiapine or aripiprazole may be used as mood stabilizers, often as part of combination therapy for bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.
Prescription mood stabilizersmay cause side effects, especially during the early stages as the body adjusts. These effects can vary depending on the specific drug and dose. Some are more common in the first few weeks, while others may develop with long-term use. Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.[5]
Common Side Effects:
Weight gain
Dry mouth
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Skin changes or rashes
Tremors or slowed reaction time
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in lithium levels (when taking lithium)
Less common side effects like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or liver issues (especially with valproate or lamotrigine)
Prescription mood stabilizers are usually recommended for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or other conditions involving manic and depressive episodes. These medications are often needed when emotional highs and lows begin to affect relationships, work, or daily functioning. People experiencing severe mood swings, racing thoughts, or signs of mania and depression may benefit from medical treatment. Doctors often start with a lower dose and adjust over time based on how the human body responds. Regular monitoring may be needed, especially with drugs like lithium carbonate or valproic acid.
Some people explore natural alternatives to support mood, especially if they have milder symptoms or want to use them alongside other medications under guidance. These options may help promote emotional balance and mental clarity.
Several plant-based ingredients have been studied for their ability to support a more even mood or reduce stress-related symptoms. These herbs and nutrients are not meant to treat severe mood disorders but may support emotional wellness in everyday life.
Natural Mood Support Ingredients:
St. John’s Wort – Has been studied for itspotential to support emotional well-being in individuals experiencing low mood. Contains active compounds like hypericin and hyperforin that interact with brain chemicals.[4]
Rhodiola rosea – An adaptogenic herb shown to reduce fatigue and support focus during stress.
Saffron Extract – Found in several studies to support a positive mood and emotional balance.
Magnesium – Low magnesium levels have been linked to cognitive issues and mood imbalance. The right level (about 0.85 mmol/L in serum) supports brain health.
L-theanine – An amino acid from green tea that may help reduce stress and promote calm focus.
These ingredients may influence mood-related pathways in the brain, although their effects differ from prescription medications. For example, St. John’s Wort may influence serotonin levels, while Rhodiola helps the brain respond better to stress.Some studies suggest saffron may influence mood-related neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which play roles in mood and motivation, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects. Magnesium plays a role in many brain functions, including nerve signaling and neurotransmitter activity, which has been studied for its role in supporting cognitive health and focus.[3]
Natural mood support supplements may help promote emotional balance and clearer thinking when used as part of a healthy routine. They’re often used by people who experience stress, low energy, or a decreased ability to focus.
For instance, supplements from BioNeurix are formulated with research-backed ingredients designed to help support mood and focus as part of a wellness routine. These supplements are not a replacement for medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder but may offer additional support in maintaining emotional well-being.
Everyday habits can play a big role in how the brain handles stress, focus, and emotional changes. Small shifts in diet, sleep, and activity can support a more balanced mood, especially when used alongside other treatments.
What you eat can affect how you feel. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, may help reduce mood swings and support brain health.Magnesium from leafy greens, nuts, and seeds is crucial for keeping the brain calm and focused.[1]
Complex carbohydrates such as oats, brown rice, and sweet potatoes can help keep energy levels steady throughout the day. These foods support the production of mood-related chemicals in the brain and may improve symptoms like irritability or decreased ability to focus.
Keeping a consistent sleep schedule helps the brain and body recover, which may reduce the risk of mood swings and emotional stress. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can make a big difference in how stable and focused you feel.
Moving your body regularly—through walking, stretching, or light exercise—can help release stress. Time spent in nature or practicing mindfulness, like breathing exercises or journaling, may also support a calmer state of mind and reduce racing thoughts.
Mood changes are part of life, but if sadness, anxiety, or emotional ups and downs begin to affect your daily life, it’s important to reach out for help. These may be signs of a mood disorder, and a healthcare provider can help figure out what kind of treatment is best.
Doctors or licensed mental health providers can check if medications, natural options, or a combination therapy is needed. They can also monitor for possible side effects, like those linked to lithium, valproic acid, or other medications, and make sure any plan is safe and effective for your needs.
Mood stabilizers—both prescription and natural—play an essential role in helping people manage emotional ups and downs tied to mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or mood disorders. These treatments work by supporting brain chemistry and easing symptoms such as racing thoughts, depressive episodes, or acute manic behavior.[6]
While prescription options like lithium carbonate, valproic acid, and lamotrigine are often used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, some people may also benefit from natural ingredients and daily habits that promote mental clarity and emotional calm. Everyone’s needs are different, and finding the right balance may involve a mix of medications, supportive supplements, and healthy lifestyle choices.
What is a mood stabilizer, and how does it work?
A mood stabilizer helps manage mood swings by balancing brain chemicals that affect feelings, focus, and behavior.
Can you take natural mood stabilizers instead of prescriptions?
Some natural mood stabilizers may support emotional wellness, but they are not a replacement for prescription treatments used to treat serious conditions like bipolar disorder.
Are mood stabilizers only for people with mood disorders?
Mood stabilizers are mainly used to treat symptoms of mood disorders, but they may also be prescribed for conditions involving seizures or schizoaffective disorder.
What are some signs that you might benefit from a mood stabilizer?
Signs may include severe mood swings, manic or depressive episodes, difficulty concentrating, and emotional shifts that affect daily life.
Do supplements for mood really work?
Evidence-backed supplements with ingredients like magnesium, saffron, or Rhodiola may support emotional balance and calm when used consistently.
Chen, F., Wang, J., Cheng, Y., Li, R., Wang, Y., Chen, Y., Scott, T., & Tucker, K. L. (2024). Magnesium and Cognitive Health in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 15(8), 100272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100272
Gould, T. D., Chen, G., & Manji, H. K. (2002). Mood stabilizer psychopharmacology. Clinical neuroscience research, 2(3-4), 193–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1566-2772(02)00044-0
Jackson, P. A., Forster, J., Khan, J., Pouchieu, C., Dubreuil, S., Gaudout, D., Moras, B., Pourtau, L., Joffre, F., Vaysse, C., Bertrand, K., Abrous, H., Vauzour, D., Brossaud, J., Corcuff, J. B., Capuron, L., & Kennedy, D. O. (2021). Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 606124. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124
Klemow KM, Bartlow A, Crawford J, et al. Medical Attributes of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/
Murru, A., Popovic, D., Pacchiarotti, I., Hidalgo, D., León-Caballero, J., & Vieta, E. (2015). Management of adverse effects of mood stabilizers. Current psychiatry reports, 17(8), 603. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0603-z
Nath M, Gupta V. Mood Stabilizers. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556141/
Sekhon S, Gupta V. Mood Disorder. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558911/
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