"i have struggled with the depression part of bi-polar well, forever. i am 34 finally, i can tell that this medication is not only helping with the bi-polar part but i actually feel good! this medicine is a god send for me. i cannot testify to weight gain or side effects just yet because i have only been taking the medication for about 4 months, however, i can say that when i take it at night, i have the most horrific nightmares every night.  i am going to try taking in the morning, but i hear it may be a sedative.  i do have a history of sleep paralysis but this is a guarantee nightmare for me.  a sleep aid like clonazepam sometimes helps... but it is a gamble.
i also take  250mg lamictal a day and 50mg pristiq a day."