Actually, there are issues concerning Bipolar meds if you don't need them. Lithium is not an easy drug to be on. You have to be monitored for blood levels frequently because lithium toxicity can be deadly. Lithium is also filtered through the kidneys, so that you need to be concerned about your kidney function and have that monitored. Additionally, lithium affects the thyroid. Most people on Lithium for long times wind up taking thyroid medication as well. Lithium causes weight gain and other annoying symtpoms.

Tegretol and Depekote have their own side effects that can be troublesome. Tegretol also requires blood monitoring because it can cause your white blood cells to decrease causing your immunity to decrease.

These medications are not to be taken lightly and the decision to be put on them should be considered after the p-doc has a full history. I would not wish to be on these meds. They help me ALOT but the side effects are bothersome.

As for anti-depressants, they vary. They have less issues than Bipolar meds, but they do have side effects, mostly GI related.