On Sodium Valporate (Epilem) I fainted so it was immediately discontinued. Lamogtrgine did nothing at all for me. Lithium however makes a massive difference in stabilising my moods and reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviour. I stopped taking it 4 months ago and was hypomanic for 2 months then slowly fell into a horror mixed episode. Lithium was re-introduced a week ago and I am already feeling an improvement. The side effects of Lithium was why I stopped it; weight gain, tremors and thyroid issues. Now I feel these are worth dealing with to avoid the intolerable mixed states.