Which class of medications is typically used to treat mood stabilization in bipolar disorder?

The class of medications typically used to treat mood stabilization in bipolar disorder is antipsychotics. These medications can help manage both manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. In many cases, certain antipsychotics are effective as mood stabilizers, particularly in acute mania and as maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotics work by modulating neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly those involving dopamine and serotonin, which can help stabilize mood and reduce extremes of emotion. Some specific antipsychotics, such as quetiapine and lurasidone, have been approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder and are commonly used in clinical practice.

Other classes, such as antidepressants, may be used in mood disorders but are often approached with caution in the context of bipolar disorder, as they have the potential to induce manic episodes. Antibiotics are primarily used for bacterial infections and have no role in mood stabilization. Antihistamines, while useful for allergies, also do not play any role in treating mood disorders.