worried about mood stabilizers need advice please!

i need some advice on mood stabilizers ie.lithium anything how they make you feel side affects is there one particular med that works the best.

[determined2beatit]

wow!! That's a loaded question! First of all there are many meds out there in the same drug classifications that all do the same job. Thing is... not every body responds the same to each drug. You have to fine tune it to your personal self and what works for you!!
Lithium.. for me, I've been on it for 15 years, don't like it. Makes me feel sluggish, bloated ect but I need it! I'm on a low dose because I'm sensitive to meds. It works for me. Depends on what symptoms you're having also, If you are experiencing hallucinations chances are they put you on a antipsychotic med..
Mood stabilizers come in many different drugs. It's a matter of trying them out to see which ones work for you. Don't be surprised if you need to try different ones. If not than great!!!! Side effects are generally to be expected. Usually they do seem to get better over time though. Initially you might feel sluggish and tired but sometimes you have to weigh the benefits of feeling better to the side effects.
Anyway, good luck and remember it's a learning process!

[wannabefree330]

I sent you a message on a web site that might help you with this information.

[triedeverymed]

I take Abilify 2mg a day. Two weeks after starting it I became a new person (or my old self again, not sure which-LOL) Personally I like Abilify, I have to pay $89 a month for it but to me it's worth every penny and I will never stop taking it if I don't have to. It has given me my life back.
Hope that helps. Good luck!!

PS_I did have to try many medications before I found the one that worked for me, don't get discouraged, it's just part of the process. The answer is out there!!

[Nikki2226]

I just started lamictal and abilify a couple months ago.  I have had 2 doctors tell me that lamictal is the best mood stabilizer out there for most people, espicially for depression.  I'm still not totally back to normal, but they have helped me a lot.  Everyone is different though, and you have to find the one that works the best for your body.