This seems like a helpful summary:
Trileptal in bipolar disorder

I'm BP and take Trileptal because my pdoc thinks it has fewer side effects than other mood stabilizers and APs (Lamotrigine gave me horrible rashes all over my body, even at the lowest dose).

So far, Trileptal has mellowed out my moods, which is good. I still cycle, but the hypomanic/manic and depressive episodes are not as intense. Without the former, it feels as though the medication has put me in a prolonged low to mid-grade depression. Other side effects include an occasional hand and leg tremor (it's mild, I'm ok with it), drowsiness (it subsides after 3-ish weeks after each med dose increase), brain fog, and some disorientation after dose increases.

Overall, I'm more stable, and pretty happy with Trileptal. It's not perfect, it's not helped with focus, motivation, depression, etc. However, my relationships with others and myself have improved.