What are the common anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers?

Valproic acid, also called divalproex, and carbamazepine are anticonvulsants commonly used as mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. Valproic acid is effective for acute mania and maintenance treatment, with side effects including weight gain, tremor, hair loss, and rare but serious hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis. It is teratogenic and must be avoided in pregnancy due to neural tube defect risk. Carbamazepine is used for bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia but carries risks of aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis.