I'm BP I, too, & definitely wouldn't take the risk of going without an AP. Speaking only for myself, the damage done when manic often can not be undone...I've "bought a ticket to Crazytown" a few times too often.

I'm currently on abilify & can't say enough about this med. Not only is it an AP, it also helps with depression. I've had no side-effects & it isn't accompanied by the weight gain many APs cause.

No matter what you decide, I wish you luck.