What drug classes can be used acutely until mood stabilizers take effect?

The use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in acute situations is well established in psychiatric practice, particularly for patients experiencing severe mood symptoms, such as during manic or hypomanic episodes where rapid stabilization is necessary. Benzodiazepines are effective for quick anxiety relief and can help manage acute agitation and insomnia, providing symptomatic relief while other longer-acting mood stabilizers begin to take effect.

Antipsychotics, particularly atypical antipsychotics, are also utilized for their rapid sedative effects and ability to control psychotic features or severe agitation associated with mood disorders. They can stabilize mood and mitigate severe symptoms in the short term until mood stabilizers, which typically require a longer time to achieve therapeutic effects, can exert their influence.

Other classes mentioned, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, are generally not suitable for acute management since they usually take weeks to exhibit their full effects and are primarily used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders rather than for immediate stabilization in acute mood episodes. Stimulants and opioids have different indications and side effect profiles that do not align with the goals of acute mood stabilization. Beta-blockers and anticonvulsants may have some use in specific contexts but are not the primary choice for