"I have been on Tegretol for 15 years and it definitely controls the hypomania and rapid cycling, though not the depression so well.  It sort of leaves you feeling flat, but I had tried lithium, Depakote, and a few of the atypical antipsychotics and they were too heavy duty or left me with extreme weight gain.  When I went on Tegretol I have 50 pounds of extra weight from Depakote....it came off within 4 months.  I am not thin now, as I have gotten older, but I suppose it is still the drug for me.  At this stage of the game I don't feel like trying other meds as I have to work and function.  I also take a small dose of Lamictal too."