bipolar disorde
"I tried Lithium, Depakote, and Lamotrigine.  I had horrible side effects with all three.  But Carbamazepine is a miracle drug, as far as I'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's or something."