I take Tegretol XR (carbamazepine ER) as my main moodstabilizer, a small dose of Lamictal, and a somewhat large dose of Seroquel XR. All doses in my signature. I also take benzos, but small doses. I wish I could go off the benzos, but my psychiatrist resists my requests. Ideally I'd take Ativan as a prn "as needed" as my only benzo. The Levothyroxine/Synthroid I take is for past Lithium-induced hypothyroidism, which is well controlled. The propranolol is for tachycardia related to anxiety and mitral valve prolapse (not anything that serious).

On my current mix, the side effects are very minimal. Tegretol XR makes me a tiny bit clumsy, but that's no big deal. My Lamictal is a small enough dose not to give me side effects I had at larger doses. Seroquel XR might make it slightly harder to lose weight than without it, and may affect my blood work, but not significantly. I'm currently 15 lbs overweight, a weight I once was 17 years ago before bipolar meds. Seroquel XR is a very important med for me. It helps with everything. It is the only med in my mix that is manipulated. I'm grateful for my current mix.

I'm still on disability, and occasionally have notable episodes, but at this point I feel therapy is my best avenue as an adjunct to my meds. More meds cannot take away the barriers I have to getting back to work.