I experienced that to a very noticeable degree on Depakote. I don't remember it as much when I took Lithium. What you wrote about foods tasting better or not as good, when hypomanic/manic, or depressed, is also something I relate to.

My very worst depression was when I was on Depakote and Invega. So, how much of it was Depakote and how much the depression, I'm not sure. Like you, I still had plenty of desire for sweets, and compared to other foods they did taste good. I gained the most weight ever (quickly) when on that combination. While on Lithium, I was mostly more on the "up" end, or more or less stable. Lithium did not increase my hunger or make me gain weight.

Just today, I mentioned to my husband that the meal I made last night did not seem as yummy as it did when I made it about a year ago. Hubby disagreed. That does happen to me with other dishes. This may seem odd, but I wonder if my current sinus congestion played a part. Off and on I have sinusitis flareups. I also think that when I have sinus issues, I smell smoke a lot. That's not unheard of.

I sure do hope you don't have covid, but really I think many of the already mentioned are more likely culprits.