Online prescriptions for mood stabilizers

Meet with a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric NP online to discuss whether a mood stabilizer is right for you. Book online or call to schedule. Appointments often available same day or same week.

Treatment for:
bipolar disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar spectrum conditions, cyclothymia

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360+ insurance plans accepted

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How prescribing works

1

Find the right provider

Browse providers online or call us and we’ll help you find someone who accepts your insurance and fits your needs. Pick a time that works for you and choose how you’d like to pay.

2

Get started with treatment

At your first session, share what you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. Together, you’ll discuss your options—including whether medication might be a good fit. If so, your provider can send a prescription directly to your local pharmacy.

3

Track your progress

Your provider will check in regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working for you and adjust as needed.

FAQs about mood stabilizers

What are the side effects of mood stabilizers?

The most common side effects depend on the mood stabilizer, and in general tend to get better as your body adjusts to the medication. Common examples include tremor, nausea, and drowsiness or dizziness. Serious side effects are less common, but possible. Talk to your provider if you experience any bothersome side effects.

What monitoring is required if I take mood stabilizers?

Required monitoring depends on the specific mood stabilizer. Lithium, divalproex sodium (Depakote), valproic acid (Depakene), and carbamazepine (Tegretol), for example, require regular lab monitoring. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and other mood stabilizers need little routine bloodwork, but your provider will still want to check regularly for side effects and to see how well it’s working for you.

Do mood stabilizers cause weight gain?

Yes, some mood stabilizers are more likely to cause weight gain than others. Valproate medications like divalproex sodium (Depakote) and valproic acid (Depakene) are the most consistently linked to weight gain, with studies showing anywhere from 20 percent to more than half of patients gaining weight.

Lithium’s effect on weight is less clear-cut. Some studies report weight gain in about a quarter of patients, while more recent research suggests the effect may be smaller and less consistent than once thought. Lamotrigine (Lamictal), by contrast, is generally considered weight-neutral.

Some antipsychotics used for bipolar disorder can also cause weight gain, especially olanzapine (Zyprexa) and clozapine (Clozaril). Talk to your provider about which option might be the best fit if weight gain is a concern for you.

How long does it take for mood stabilizers to work?

It depends on the mood stabilizer and what it’s being used for. Lithium may take around one to three weeks, while divalproex sodium (Depakote) and valproic acid (Depakene) can start to take effect in less than a week when used for acute manic episodes, as can antipsychotics. But it could take much longer to get the full benefits of the medication.

Why is lithium considered the gold standard for bipolar disorder?

Lithium is often considered the gold standard for bipolar disorder because of its long track record, as well as the fact that research has found it uniquely effective across all three: preventing manic episodes, depressive episodes, and suicidal symptoms, something other mood stabilizers haven’t shown as consistently. Large observational studies have also linked lithium specifically to lower death rates in bipolar disorder, more so than other mood stabilizers. It may not be right for everyone, and it does require regular blood level checks, but it is a first-choice treatment for bipolar disorder.

Can I combine mood stabilizers with other psychiatric medications?

Yes, combining mood stabilizers with other psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, is common. Lithium, for example, is commonly added off-label to antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression (depression that doesn’t respond fully to antidepressants). Antipsychotics, which are commonly used as mood stabilizers, can also be combined with other mood stabilizers or antidepressants.

Taking multiple psychiatric medications may increase your risk for side effects or interactions. Be sure your provider has a full list of your medications, and let them know if you are experiencing bothersome side effects.

Can I take mood stabilizers while pregnant?

Whether a mood stabilizer is safe while pregnant depends on the specific medication. Some, like divalproex sodium (Depakote) and valproic acid (Depakene), carry a high risk of birth defects and are generally avoided in pregnancy. Others, like lamotrigine (Lamictal), are considered lower-risk. It’s important to note that uncontrolled bipolar disorder also has risks during pregnancy and especially after delivery, when relapse is common and can be serious. Talk to your prescriber if you are taking a mood stabilizer and are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Can I get a prescription for mood stabilizers online?

Yes, you can often get a prescription online if your provider decides it’s clinically appropriate. If a mood stabilizer is a good fit, your provider can send the prescription straight to your local pharmacy.

Does insurance cover mood stabilizer consultations at Thriveworks?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts more than 360 insurance plans and most cover psychiatric services. You can check your coverage before booking, with no commitment required.

If you’re prescribed medication, whether that’s covered depends on your specific insurance plan. Coverage for prescription medications is separate from the coverage for psychiatric services, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your prescription drug benefits. Ask about any copays or deductibles that may apply to psychiatric medications, as well as any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Book a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks online or by calling us. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If medication is a good clinical fit, your provider will send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Is Thriveworks LegitScript certified?

Yes, Thriveworks is LegitScript certified. LegitScript is an independent company that reviews healthcare and telehealth providers for legality, safety, and transparency.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 8, 2026

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are primarily offered online, with in-person availability in select states.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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