Hi--reading through this I was a little confused as it seemed to say your doc said there were no other options as far as meds. There are SO MANY other options. Geodon, Seroquel, Topamax, & many others & I think you mentioned Depakote, but then there are all the combos too with Lamictal, Trazodone, anti-depressants, anti-anxieties, dosage adjustments, etc. It took me a year of trial & error to get my "cocktail" of meds.

Lithium caused kidney malfunction. Geodon knocked me out so much that I fell asleep while driving. Depakote helped with the agitation but not with the depression (was in a mixed state--bipolar 1).

Ended up on Abilify, Lamictal, Provigal, Klonopin (at night), Concerta (ADHD), Trazodone (at night to help with insomnia). Also do individual therapy & dialectial behavioral therapy which I think are as essential as medication.

Good luck & all my best.--Suzy