Every other week is usually only for a couple months, depending on the psychiatrist. Blood tests are still frequent, though. I forget the frequency, but even after 5 years I was still getting several per year. The phlebotomist knew me well. It's also important for thyroid and kidney function to be tested some of the times.

I have many fewer blood levels taken for Tegretol. Same for Depakote.

I think it's an atrocity that people have to pick meds solely based on price. For shame if insurance coverage is that limited and inadequate. People living in the US may find this atrocity more common in the somewhat near future. Write your congressman/woman, if in the US.