Which of the following medications is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder?

• A. Gabapentin
• B. Risperidone
• C. Tegretol
• D. Clonazepam

Answer: (C)

Mood stabilization in bipolar disorder aims to smooth out extreme mood swings over time, not just treat acute episodes. Carbamazepine, known as Tegretol, functions as a mood stabilizer by helping to dampen neuronal excitability and stabilize mood circuits, making it useful in bipolar disorder—often when lithium isn’t suitable or when an additional stabilizing effect is needed. Gabapentin is mainly used for neuropathic pain and seizures and lacks strong evidence as a mood stabilizer. Risperidone is an antipsychotic that can help with manic symptoms or agitation but is not classified as a mood stabilizer. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety or sleep and does not provide long-term mood stabilization. Therefore, Tegretol is the best choice.