I currently take lamotragine as a mood stablizer. My pdoc wants to try to control my mania by making sure I sleep. Trazadone stopped working within a few weeks and i was manic. Chickens came before eggs, but I don't really know which was which in this case. My pdoc changed me to restoril. I was on 15, then 30 with a prn of 15. Now it seems like I need the extra 15 to settle me down so that I can even get to a place where i can go to sleep. I took it night before last, but not last night. I really don't want to be on it. It is just drugging me to the point that I either lay down or fall. Sleep is not controlling my mania. When I skip a dose I do this sleep a little wake up thing all night and then I'm tired. I'd rather just be up and not be tired the next day. While I'm still working on getting the routine in place, i am exercising and eating healthy more than before. . . That is, During the day. Right before bed, i tend to eat whatever is in sight. To be honest with myself, i know it's because in my mind I think, If I don't sleep, tomorrow is not going to be a good day. Worry, worry, worry, pace, pace, pace, drugs, stumble, sleep, zombie. Hard to work out in the morning if you are shaking off drugs. I've decided that I will continue to take the lamotragine, but due to a recent situation, I've decided that I just don't need a benzo around. Is there anything out there that is worth researching that does not cause weight gain but controls mania? Personnaly, I'll take mania over depression. It tends to bother other people, not me. Well, both poles bother others and not me. . . never mind. I'll be quiet. Suggestions? Pdoc appt next week.