"i tried lithium, depakote, and lamotrigine.  i had horrible side effects with all three.  but carbamazepine is a miracle drug, as far as i&#039;m concerned.  it started working within just a few days and i only had to take 300 mg a day, in 100mg doses.  my doctor and i found i had to have 400 mg a day if i took it twice a day, but spread out in 3 doses 300 mg worked.  i always prefer to take the minimum useful dose of drugs if possible.  side effects: 1) teeth, especially at the gums, seem to be in worse shape on it, 2) i have to drink quite a lot of water, or i start to lose some cognitive function, 3) at a higher dose, i seemed to develop empathy deficits as if i had asperger&#039;s or something."