I understand what you're saying...just remember, Depakote and lithium are totally different drugs, and do not work the same way in the body, even though they are both "mood stabilizers". You do have to monitor Depakote levels, like lithium, but just because lithium caused a problem does not mean that Depakote will.

Here's the deal, as I see it...you have to trust you doctor. BUT, if things are not working, you must trust yourself enough to go to your doc and tell 'em what's up. I know it's tough with some doctors...that's why we keep mood charts and all that, but ideally we keep looking until we find a doctor who will work WITH us insteead of ON us.

There are so many drugs out now that show promise...Seroquel has been very helpful for me (a godsend, really), I'm also BPII....you have to take a much higher dose, though, more like 400, but that's up to your doc, of course.

Anyway, I know how hard this can be...I suffered under a misdiagnosis for 9 years, which totally destroyed my life. BUT, I feel better now, and I'm on the way back! You will be, too, and very soon, I bet!

DJ