Sigh. The never-ending balance game of medications. I was on Prozac AND a high dose of Effexor and let's just say that is a manic road I never want to walk again. Thank goodness I'm being tapered of Prozac. ANYWAY.

I am hoping to start being treated with Lamictal (tomorrow is my appointment, actually), and keep the Effexor as is, however we'll see how I react. It's hard to find that balance of being stable, pulled out of the depressive episodes, but not have them make you hypomanic, or especially manic.

B12, Vitamin D, eating healthy (and balanced) food, getting DAILY exercise, natural light & fresh air, and being very in-tune to your body and being aware of how your medications are affecting you is so, so crucial. Getting enough sleep also makes a HUGE difference. But kudos to you for already doing lots of this, and even having blood tests done to monitor levels (I think that is a brilliant idea).

This is kind of a suggestion of something that has worked for ME in the past, but I find going to a local pool and swimming helps a LOT to combat SAD during the winter months. I guess the whole thing about being in the water just reminds me of warmer weather. PLUS it is awesome, fun exercise. So if that is something you'd be willing to try, I know that it has been amazing for me.

Good luck! and take care