Mood Disorder Medication: Side Effects and Online Care


At Talkiatry, we know that navigating mental health can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make it easier—starting with information you can trust. As a national mental health practice with over 600 psychiatrists and other providers, we combine clinical excellence with real-world understanding to deliver incredible care and reliable information. This article has been medically reviewed by the same doctors who treat our patients every day, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking care now or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.
Mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and PMDD are more than just ups and downs—they’re real mental health conditions that can affect nearly every part of life. The good news is that with the right support, they’re treatable.
Medication is one of several tools that can help manage symptoms and support long-term stability. It’s often part of a broader treatment plan that may also include therapy and healthy lifestyle habits. A psychiatrist can help you find what works for you.

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Types of mood disorder medications
Treatment for mood disorders isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. If medication is a part of your care, your provider will recommend an option that’s a good fit for your specific diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health history. Some people may take one medication while others benefit from a combination.
Here is an overview of the most common types of medications used to treat mood disorders, including how they work and when they’re typically prescribed.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat depression. They’re also effective at reducing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. These medications work by influencing brain chemicals that affect mood, motivation, and energy, like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. There are several different classes of antidepressants—each one affects these brain chemicals in a slightly different way.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically the first-line treatment for depression. They increase the amount of serotonin in the brain by blocking its natural reabsorption, allowing more to remain active in your system.
Common SSRIs:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
SNRIs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they are a common treatment for depression. You can read more about the differences between SNRIs and SNRIs here.
Common SNRIs:
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
TCAs
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of medications that also target serotonin and norepinephrine. They are more likely to cause side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs, but they are used when these first-line medications aren’t effective. They may also be used to target both depression and another condition.
Atypical antidepressants
This is a broader category that includes antidepressants that don’t fit into the classes above. They work in different ways to affect dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) increases both dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It can be helpful for depressive symptoms like low motivation and fatigue.
- Mirtazapine (Remeron) increases both norepinephrine and serotonin levels and can help improve sleep quality and increase appetite.
- Serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitors (SPARIs) like vilazodone and vortioxetine (Trintellix) target serotonin receptors to increase serotonin levels.
Mood stabilizers
Mood stabilizers help reduce the intensity and frequency of mood swings in bipolar disorder. These medications are used to manage and prevent manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes.
There are different types of mood stabilizers, including lithium and certain anticonvulsants (also called antiseizure medications). While some of these were originally developed for other conditions, they are now commonly used to help regulate mood.
Lithium
One of the oldest and most widely used mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder, lithium helps manage manic symptoms and prevent future mood episodes. It has also been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts.
Anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers
Originally developed to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders, several anticonvulsant medications are now also used as mood stabilizers. These medications help calm overactive brain activity and reduce mood swings in bipolar disorder. Some are more effective at treating manic or mixed episodes, while others are better suited for depressive episodes.
- Valproate (Depakote): Often used to treat manic or mixed episodes
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal): More effective for bipolar depression than mania
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Sometimes used for manic or mixed episodes when lithium or valproate aren’t a good fit
Atypical antipsychotics
These medications help treat bipolar disorder by managing mood fluctuations. They affect brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in different ways. Some reduce overstimulation by blocking certain signals from these chemicals, which helps calm symptoms like agitation or mania. Others help balance how these chemicals work, adjusting activity up or down as needed to stabilize mood.
Common medications:
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
A combination of medications
If you’re not experiencing full relief from your current treatment, your provider may recommend adding a second medication to address both the main symptoms and any lingering ones.

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Side effects of mood disorder medications
Starting medication for a mood disorder can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions about side effects. The good news is that many side effects are mild, short-term, and manageable, and some people don’t experience any at all.
Your psychiatrist will walk you through what to expect and typically start you on a lower dose to help your body adjust gradually. Everyone responds to medication differently. If you experience side effects, your provider will help you manage them or explore alternative options.
Side effects of antidepressants
While most side effects are mild and improve over time, it’s important to know what to expect when starting a new medication. Here are some commonly reported side effects for different types of antidepressants.
SSRIs
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping or fatigue
- Changes in weight
- Changes in sexual function or desire
SNRIs
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Changes in sexual function or desire
TCAs
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Changes in sexual function or desire
- Increased heart rate
Wellbutrin
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Headache
Remeron
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
SPARIs
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Side effects of mood stabilizers
Some mood stabilizers require ongoing lab work to monitor how you’re processing the medication.
Lithium
- Nausea or other digestive issues
- Hand tremors
- Increased thirst or urination
- Slowed thinking or feeling foggy
- Changes in thyroid or kidney function – requires lab monitoring
- Possible weight gain
Lithium treatment also requires monitoring of lithium levels every 3-6 months.
Anticonvulsants (Depakote, Lamictal, Tegretol)
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Possible weight gain
- Changes in liver function – requires lab monitoring
Lamictal carries a risk of a rare but potentially serious skin rash. Your provider will closely monitor this.
Side effects of antipsychotics
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty with memory or focus
- Changes in sexual desire or function
- Risk of metabolic syndrome
It’s important to tell your provider about any side effects you experience. Managing side effects is a normal part of the process, and they can adjust your dose, recommend strategies to ease discomfort, or help you explore other treatment options.

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How mood disorder medication works online
Online psychiatry has made high-quality mental health care more accessible than ever. You can connect with an experienced provider from the comfort of home in just days.
At the same time, mood disorders can be complex, and online care isn’t always the right fit. More severe symptoms may need a higher level of care or in-person support. The best way to learn what you need is to speak with an experienced psychiatrist. They’ll be able to recommend the best next steps based on the full picture of your mental health.
If you’re a good fit for online care, here’s what our process typically looks like:
Initial screening
Fill out a brief online form so we know what you’re looking for. We’ll match you with psychiatrists who fit your needs.
Full evaluation
You'll meet with your psychiatrist for a more in-depth conversation about how you’re feeling. If you’re new to mental health care, here’s what you can expect at your first appointment.
Personalized treatment
Your psychiatrist will tailor treatment to your needs. This may include medications as well as therapy referrals or supportive lifestyle strategies.
How online mood disorder medication works at Talkiatry
The first step is a short online form about your symptoms and preferences. From there, we’ll match you with a psychiatrist experienced in mood disorders. After an initial 60-minute virtual evaluation, you’ll work together on a personalized treatment plan, whether that includes medication, therapy referrals, or lifestyle support.
Psychiatrists who understand mood disorders
Our psychiatrists are experts in treating mood-related challenges like depression, bipolar disorder, and PMDD. They’re here to help you understand your diagnosis and build a plan that works for you, not just your symptoms.
What our patients say

“I recommend Talkiatry to anyone that will listen. The benefits this network has provided me in such a short time are priceless and immeasurable.”

“She is very relatable. She is mindful of cost of my medications.”
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Covered by insurance, designed for you: online mood disorder medication
At Talkiatry, we make it easy to find high-quality, in-network mental health care. We work with more than 100 insurance plans to keep care accessible and match you with an experienced psychiatrist who fits your needs.

Why trust us
It’s our mission to expand access to care—and that includes reliable information about mental health. Before we publish any article, we make sure it’s:
- Reviewed by a psychiatrist who treats these conditions every day
- Backed by science and real-world clinical expertise
- Written to help you make informed decisions about care
This article was reviewed by Dr. Austin Lin, MD
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FAQs on mood disorder medication
Can you be prescribed mood disorder medication online?
Can you be prescribed mood disorder medication online?
Yes. Through online psychiatry platforms like Talkiatry, licensed psychiatrists can treat mood disorders virtually and prescribe medication if appropriate.
What is the most common medication prescribed for mood disorders?
What is the most common medication prescribed for mood disorders?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. For many patients with depression, antidepressants for mood disorders are often the first choice, while mood stabilizers are more common in treating bipolar disorder. Your treatment is personalized during your virtual evaluation, ensuring the prescribed mental health medication meets your specific needs.
Can I use health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Can I use health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Yes. We aren’t associated with any pharmacy. We’ll send your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice, just like other doctors.
Do mood stabilizers help with anxiety?
Do mood stabilizers help with anxiety?
Mood stabilizers primarily manage mood swings in conditions like bipolar disorder; however, some patients may notice a reduction in anxiety as their mood stabilizes. If anxiety is a significant concern, your online psychiatrist might consider additional medications specifically targeting anxiety, ensuring a comprehensive treatment approach.
What’s the difference between antidepressants and mood stabilizers?
What’s the difference between antidepressants and mood stabilizers?
Antidepressants for mood disorders work by balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin to alleviate symptoms of depression. Mood stabilizers help regulate extreme mood fluctuations, particularly in bipolar disorder. Your treatment plan is personalized—your online psychiatrist will choose the mental health medication that best addresses your diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health history.