"i was diagnosed w/ bipolar 1 at age 25.  my main problems are rapid cycling and manic episodes.  though i feel i have received good medical treatment these past ten years (though not the first 15), when i had to stop taking lithium due to kidney problems, i began to lose hope that i would ever feel well (even for brief periods of time) again.  i am now taking trileptal as a monotherapy, and i feel the best i ever remember feeling.  my mind is finally quiet.  i am happy when i wake up in the morning.  i sleep soundly.  you are in this for the long haul whether you like it or not, guys.  find a good doctor and try this.  it may take a little time to get the dosage and timing correct, but it is worth the effort.  (no weight gain, either.)"