"in 1993 i went into a clinically depressed mode for one year. i would not eat. i just slept and smoked cigarettes.  i lost 50 lbs.  finally i went to a shrink and he worked with me until the medication tegretol brought me out of the depressed state and i went manic. the doctor upon knowing this manic state, prescribed 900mg of lithium per day with the 400mg of tegretol and i have been normal for 15 years. i have to take these medicines forever. if i stop because i feel good, watch out. i either go manic or down in the dumps again and i don&#039;t wish that on my worst enemy."