Mood Stabilisers- Non sedating and in liquid

[sherlock holmes]

So I basically need a mood stabiliser that isn't too sedating and comes in either liquid or orodispersible tablet.

I'm diagnosed bipolar but I currently take mirtazapine and trazodone (antidepressants) which don't do anything for my mood swings.

I've got a consultant outpatient appointment in a few weeks and my CPN said for me to research mood stabilisers to suggest to my psychiatrist in the meantime.

Carbamazapine (Tegretol) is a big no-no as I was on it recently at it turned me into a zombie and I couldn't function.

Lamotrigine gave me bad headaches so I can't take it.

Risperidone was okay but would prefer not to take antipsychotics if possible

Sodium Valproate was probably the best one I tried. I might have to go back to it.

Can anyone suggest any others that aren't sedating or will massively affect my weight and are liquid/orodispersible?

Thanks

[sherlock holmes]

Just came across Gabapentin which was suggested to me years and years ago as a mood stabiliser by an old psychiatrist. It looks like they now make it in an oral solution so I'll mention it to my psych.

[Aubergine]

Keppra (levetiracetam) is sometimes used as a mood stabiliser, though it's not as common as others. It's available as a liquid.

[Ballerina123]

I've been on both sodium valporate and gabapentin. I found sodium valporate more effective and it comes in liquid form. Gabapentin did nothing for me but it could be different for you.

I'm currently on lithium and it's the best mood stabiliser I have ever been on. Since I went up to 1000mg I have not had a really bad mood episode, just mild one that are manageable. It's literally kept me out of hospital and got me back to uni.
Saying that however it only comes in tablet form.


Is there a reason you can't take tablets?

[sherlock holmes]

Lithium does come as a liquid, but I'm reluctant because I don't want routine blood tests and the worry that I might get toxic if I don't drink enough water.

I can't swallow tablets at all.