hi I have taken tegretol in the past and many others and found the weight gain impossible to deal with along with other side effects like tardive dyskinesia (tremours, uncontrollable movements, facial tics etc) but have had some success with topamax and prozac which are both known to cause weight loss (only if you don't stop and start topamax). studies have shown that an antidepressant with a moodstabiliser or antipsychotic can be helpful with BP. maybe it would be helpful to talk to your pdoc about this. i too have tried so many meds in the search for the right combo over the years i couldn't even list them all. I have been on saphris/asenipine since just before christmas and that seems to be working well with topamax/prozac/eltroxin.vitamind3 and xanax as needed. keep trying. hopefully you will find the med combo that works for you. I have found reading and listening to classical music to be very helpful also. I can't do much exercise because of fibromyalgia but relaxation exercises help too. hope this helps.