Department for Work and Pensions

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Mood stabilising drugs

A number of different types of drugs that affect mood (mood stabilising drugs) may also be used to treat schizophrenia. These include lithium, antidepressant drugs and some drugs more commonly used to treat epilepsy. The use of mood stabilising drugs in addition to the anti-psychotic drugs may indicate that the diagnosis is that of schizoaffective disorder. Drugs used include:

Drug Dosage
Lithium 400mg – 1200mg daily
Sodium Valporate (Valproic acid) 1-2g daily
Carbazepine 400- 600mg daily

Commonly used antidepressants include:

All antidepressants would be considered to be psychoactive drugs.

This list is not exhaustive.

Note: Whilst the level of medication may be helpful, it should not be used on its own to determine the level of functional restriction.

Amended December 2010