I was already on Lithium and my pdoc recommend I try Depakote (Sodium Valproate). Two weeks into starting Depakote I gained 5 kg so I asked my pdoc to stop it. Apparently the combination of Lithium and Depakote works better than either alone.

On Lithium I gained a little weight but with good diet and exercise I am able to keep most of it off. Apart from thirst, I have no other side effects. I experience tremors when on high doses (during mania) but am fine at a 0.1 level. It has been a great med for me. I still get horrid episodes but manage to stay in control, well, most of the time. It has also pulled me back from suicide many times.