I take 20mg in am and 160mg at night. My Pdoc said to take it with protein so I eat a slice of chicken or a spoonful of peanut butter. I have gained 30lbs in 3 months but I was underweight before I started it. It makes me go to sleep and knocks me out so I take it right before bed. It has really helped my bipolar 1 mania and psychotic symptoms. I am pretty stable. I also take Lamictal and celexa.