APs have helped a lot of people with BP, probably more than an AD. I'm on an AD now ONLY because I'm on a stabilizer as well (but because of sexual side effects I may quit it). So ADs have just as much side effects on someone with BP than APs, at least from my experience. I've had some ADs completely mess me up many times and I'll never touch those ones again.

Like you, I too have a history (a rather serious, long one) of eating disorders so I avoid the APs that make you gain. For example, I would never be able to deal with the weight gain of Zyprexa so I won't ever try it.

But when it comes down to it, every class of meds for BP comes with side effects that differ for each person. Some people have no side effects at all. So don't be too quick to knock APs just yet. There may come a day where you need them.

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