BethRags, BeyondtheRainbow, and bpcyclist, thanks so much for sharing on this topic and answering the questions!

BethRags, I get general blood tests every 6 months, too. I used to get more blood tests (i.e. Lithium levels), but since I'm off Lithium that has ended. I have seen conflicting doctor opinions about Tegretol level test frequencies. Of course I got them frequently in the very beginning, but it has been years since I had my last Tegretol level. I've been on Tegretol for about 7-8 years. Once I did have a symptom of possible Tegretol mild toxicity, but my psychiatrist just lowered my dose without ordering a blood level. The reduction did do the trick, though. I don't know how old you are (not specifically asking), but if you feel an EKG is a good idea, please do push for one. They're not a hard/long test. I had at least four in the past. I think the first two were related to mania-related heart concerns (if that makes sense). The second two were concerns relating to the medication Geodon. Geodon has the potential to affect the heart. I think maybe other medications might, too, though perhaps rare.

BeyondtheRainbow, I had heard about the need for frequent blood tests for Clozapine. I hope it serves you well. I've heard it can be very effective. My blood test sharing works the same way as yours. I'm glad your EKG results are always normal. Mine are, too. I have had tachycardia, though. I take a beta blocker for that (propranolol).

bpcyclist, you only get a Lithium level once per year? I'm glad your other blood test results are normal. I'm betting your frequent biking helps with that. I need to get my lazy butt doing more exercise. That's great that you can order your own blood tests. Is that something anyone can do? Or are you able because you have a background/degree in a medical field?

Beyond what I wrote just above, I have also had an MRI in the past (actually, several). My psychiatrist once also ordered a PET scan. [I don't know what he was looking for in a PET scan. The MRIs were mostly related to pituitary stuff from the antipsychotic Invega, plus some of below.] I know PET scans for bipolar disorder are not typical. He ordered it during a period when I was have extremely odd symptoms. He referred me to a neurologist for her to better interpret the results. She said there was nothing. I have also had a CT scan and several EEGs because of some symptoms (a catatonia, musical hallucinations, and other weird stuff). Nothing from the CT or first couple EEGs. One EEG (a sleep deprivation EEG) led to a Simple Partial Seizures diagnosis from a neurologist, but then an epileptologist said it wasn't definitive. All of the weird stuff has been long gone since Tegretol XR, but I do still get intermittent classic hypomanic, full manic, mixed, and depressive episodes.

I'll admit that all of the tests became overwhelming at one point.