Which medication is classified as a weight neutral mood-stabilizer?

Oxcarbazepine is recognized as a weight-neutral mood-stabilizer, making it a suitable option for patients who may be concerned about weight gain as a side effect of their psychiatric medications. While both carbamazepine and divalproex are effective mood stabilizers, they are often associated with weight gain. Lithium, while effective in treating mood disorders, can also lead to weight fluctuations in some patients.

This classification is particularly important in the context of managing mood disorders in individuals who are already dealing with obesity or who are at risk of weight gain. Oxcarbazepine's weight neutrality allows healthcare providers to prescribe it without the added concern of exacerbating weight-related issues, thereby supporting a more holistic approach to treatment in these patients.