It's one of the newer mood stabilizers (also an anti-convulsant) approved for BP treatment (dozen or so yr ago?) and shown to be more effective with hypomania (doesn't have the classic BP highs) and manic-depressives who lean more towards depression. It has to be increased slowly (50 mg every two weeks) until therapeutic dose is reached (250-300 mg?).

I've been on all sorts of doses since 2003. Hasn't done a thing for me and hasn't given me any side effects but I don't think I'm hypomanic but mixed manic (agitated depression).

I guess your Doc told you about dangerous side effects (rash). Susceptibility is highest for the rash during first 6 mths.