Guide To The Side Effects Of Mood Stabilizers

Increased Sensitivity To The Sun

Patients who take mood stabilizers may notice an increased sensitivity to the sun, and this side effect is common with carbamazepine. Increased sensitivity to the sun could cause individuals to experience skin redness or sunburns with minimal sun exposure. The skin could become painful, and it may peel. To reduce this risk, patients should apply sunscreen on a daily basis, and it needs to be applied to all exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, neck, chest, and feet. Wearing special clothing designed to block the sun's rays may be helpful as well, and patients should also wear a hat and sunglasses. If possible, wearing long-sleeved shirts is advisable. Patients should ideally stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If severe sunburn occurs, the patient should seek urgent care. Patients may also wish to see a dermatologist for a yearly skin examination to reduce the risk of skin cancer. In cases where sun sensitivity interferes with an individual's daily life, the prescribing physician might recommend switching to another drug that does not cause this side effect.

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