Depakote has a dark side too, liver damage.
Good thing with certain meds doc's tell you to go for periodic tests, so things do not get complex.
Some people's bodies aren't bothered in these ways, and then there may be some that even before the meds had an unknown thing.
Whatever, one hs to do what they feel comfortable about and how effective it is.
My brother has been on Lithium for 33+ yrs., and then with age and heredity,smoking,etc. developed borderline high blood pressure, and docs found some crazy creatnine level in blood, did ultrasound,kidney has a noncancerous cyst.
Now the first thing, they wean him off of Lithium, levels of creatnine didn't stabilize to what his older tests were, take him off blood pressure meds, and now they think that was the culprit.
Well, he said he will not be without a mood stabilizer, and he'll use an alternative one if Lithium isn't right for him anymore. He is smart from knowing how his disorder is, to not refuse mood stabilizing meds. he worked too hard to be where he is today.
LOts of luck y'all with your meds., be sure to keep appts and listen to the pdoc and also talk to him and speak your mind to him or her as well. Good communication is key.