Yes there is, but many also have a shorter track record, the ones you mentioned are good, Depakote is used a lot today because of the faster actiing qualites, many I speak to do not care for the extreme drowsiness it can render.
The best meds are the ones that work for the individual, perhaps I let my personal experience get in the way of this thread, oops!
A large population over years get sort of "immuned" to the SSRI's type antidepresants but short term are great in adjunct mood stabilzers, the other conventional AD's may last longer. Bipolars need a mood stabilizer regardless if a pdoc adds antidepresssants or not.
The newer ones you mentioned here are widely used and many get great results, I was just mentioning Lithium because I have record several Psychiatric reports and books stating over a long course it has a better track record, and I can see the reason why after reading some tech info on it.
Bottom line, any med if it does the trick is the best for that individual providing the indvidiual is compliant with the pdoc and the treatment (s) she or he prescribes

Thanks for your added info. Cam, can offer the best info on the many meds used for Bipolar Disorder, yoo hoo, Cam where are you ??

I hope you all that come to this forum enjoy it and gain more info to add to your knowledge of the many medications used for this disorder as well as other disorders.
Welcome to this wonderful website and it's great forums

DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON