How Do Mood Stabilizers and Stimulants Work?

Medications can be an effective tool in the treatment of mental health issues, but they aren’t all the same. Here’s a closer look at two oft-prescribed drugs and how they work in your brain to ease your symptoms.

Have you ever wondered what happens in your brain when you take a medication like a mood stabilizer or stimulant?

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Dr. Oluranti Adepoju and our experienced team want you to understand how these medications work and why we may recommend them for you. Knowing how these medications influence your brain can help you participate more fully in your mental health treatment.

Here, we explain the science behind mood stabilizers and stimulants, the conditions they treat, and the factors that determine if they’re right for you.

What are mood stabilizers, and how do they work?

Mood stabilizers are medications that treat the highs (mania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder. They can also be used to treat other conditions, such as schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.

The science behind mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers regulate the activity of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help your brain cells communicate with each other. Imbalances in these chemicals are often linked to mood disorders. For example:

Mania occurs when your neurotransmitter activity is overactive, leading to symptoms such as racing thoughts and impulsiveness.

Depression, on the other hand, is tied to reduced neurotransmitter activity, which can slow down brain processes and result in feelings of sadness and fatigue.

Mood stabilizers help balance neurotransmitter activity, reducing these extreme mood swings. However, it’s important to note that these medications don’t eliminate all mood swings; they simply make them more manageable and less intense.

Common types of mood stabilizers

There are three primary types of mood stabilizers.

1. Lithium

This naturally occurring element has been the gold standard for mood regulation for decades. It’s effective at treating both mania and depression.

2. Anticonvulsants

Originally developed to treat seizures, medications like valproic acid (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are now widely used for mood stabilization.

3. Atypical antipsychotics

Medications like quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat mood disorders when traditional mood stabilizers aren’t enough.

If we prescribe mood stabilizers, we monitor you carefully to ensure you’re responding well to the medication with minimal side effects.

What are stimulants, and how do they work?

Stimulants primarily treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. These medications help improve your focus, increase energy levels, and manage impulsivity.

The science behind stimulants

Stimulants work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, in your brain. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in attention, motivation, and impulse control.

Dopamine helps with feelings of reward and motivation
Norepinephrine contributes to alertness and emotional regulation

People with ADHD often have underactive dopamine and norepinephrine pathways in their brains, making it difficult to focus or stay organized. Stimulants activate these pathways to balance brain activity, which improves focus and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.

Common types of stimulants

Some of the most frequently prescribed stimulants are:

Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta)
Amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)

When used appropriately and under professional supervision, stimulants can have a dramatically positive impact on daily functioning for those with ADHD or narcolepsy.

Am I a good candidate for mood stabilizers or stimulants?

Determining the right treatment for you depends on several factors, including your specific symptoms, medical history, and the severity of your condition. Here are a few things to consider:

Mood stabilizers may be right for you if:

You’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or another mood disorder
You experience extreme mood swings that interfere with daily life
You’ve tried other treatments without success

Stimulants may be right for you if:

You’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy
You struggle with focus, organization, or energy management
Non-stimulant treatments or behavioral therapies haven’t been enough

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, Dr. Adepoju starts with a comprehensive evaluation to find the best treatment plan for you. This often includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to fully address your needs.

If you’re struggling with mood swings, focus issues, or another mental health challenge, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment online or call Revive Holistic Psychiatry today to discuss whether mood stabilizers or stimulants might be right for your treatment plan. We also offer telehealth services.