Besides 1 week of depakote when I was 16, I've never taken any psych meds other than low doses of zoloft and ativan. I've been prescribed abilify, lithium, and lamictal but never tried any of them due to my extreme health anxiety and fear of side effects or allergic reactions (not to mention my enduring skepticism with regard to whether I am actually bipolar...).

That said, I think I am finally coming to terms with the fact that, whether bipolar or not, I definitely suffer from something cyclical. I have not gone one month without at least one episode of (near)-suicidal depression for at least 3 years - and probably much longer (all too blurry). These episodes often last only 3 days, but their recurrence is very disruptive and exhausting. Though zoloft might be helping some with my anxiety, it doesn't seem to effect my depression at all. For this reason (amongst others), my pdoc wants me to try a mood stabilizer - and I am actually considering it this time (we have mostly discussed lithium as depakote was horrible and I'm too afraid of the rash etc. to try lamictal)

I guess my question is - for those on mood stabilizers, and lithium in particular, is it worth it?

What are the pros vs. cons you've experienced?

Do you find it is useful for overall stability (i.e., not just stopping mania)?