I spent alot of time trying diff meds to get a good combo. Remember the manias feed the depression, even a really short mania (a day or two) can cause a nasty depression,I heard of one person who had 2 years of depression for a 1 day mania.... control the manias, and then maybe you won't need antidepressants, or maybe you still will... I think your doc is right. But as always, what you put into your body is up to you.
Take care and s