I am a rapid cycler as well and it is very hard to cope with the mania and the depression coming so quickly. I love the mania, don't get me wrong. But the depression really kicks my behind. I take Lithium and felt better almost instantly upon recievingt it. I got turned on in the psyche ward resulting from a suicide attempt. I also take Trazadone and Seroquel. I find the Seroquel made me too much out of it so I cut back on the dosage. Then I talked to the pdoc about my horrible depression and he gave me Lexapro. It has been my wonder drug. I still get down but I don't stay down near as long and I stay manic more than anything which is great. But until I got the Lexapro and cut back on the Seroquel, I was constantly down. I highly recommend anyone who is B/P to try the Lithium. My worst side effect is swelling and wieght gain. I also have fine hand tremors at times but other than that you wouldn't even know I was B/P. Talk to your doc and give it try. You may not do as well but then again you may do way better.