Mood stabilizers are used to treat mood disorders that prevent manic episodes of bipolar disorder. For example, the drug lithium, a form of mineral salts, has been used very successfully in patients with bipolar disorders. Although no one knows definitely why, lithium and other mood stabilizers such as divalproex sodium (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) effectively reduce manic episodes. However, they do not effectively treat depressive phases of bipolar disorder, so antidepressants are usually prescribed during those phases.