lisadhum, prior to being diagnosed I was put on an anti-depressant (not sure what it was or if it was an SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiter)). Since I was diagnosed I wasn't on a mood stabilizer and I did become hypomanic in the hospital.

After being diagnosed I have always been on a mood stabilizer and initially was on 2 anti-depressants. One was a SSRI (celexa/citalopram) and the other was Welbutrin which has no effect on serontonin and is an inhibitor for noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake. I have had 2 hypomanic episodes since being diagnosed 3 years ago and both were triggered by extreme stress. I am now just on wellbutrin and a mood stabilizer.

It really depends on the person and their symptoms. I have bipolar II and suffer most often with major depression. Some people with bipolar I never experience major depression, but have full blown mania, so an anti-depressant wouldn't be needed.

I believe cymbalta is a SSRI and I have read that SSRI's tend to cause more of an issue with hypomania/mania than the newer anti-depressants like wellbutrin. However, each person is different and in my experience I haven't had an issue with either type, but I'm on a mood stabilizer. Hope this helps.