I was misdiagnosed 20 years ago with depression and began taking Effexor and later Lamictal was added to that. Then because this combination did not seem to be working, added Abilify. Current Dr. realized I was actually Bi-Polar and added Depakote while keeping the Effexor. Became rapid cycle. After a year, took me off the anti-depressant to lessen the rapid cycling and hope that this would also lessen the depression. That was shown as an improvement in that I was suddenly more clear-headed and more in the present moment also did not have any negative side effects from coming off the Effexor. Then we tried to take me off the Abilify but that was shown not to be effective so added it back. Next we are going to try and take me off the Lamictal so my new regimen will be the Depakote and Abilify. All this in an effort to have me take the fewest drugs possible. I am still having the depression. Understand that Lithium is best for the combination of bi-polar and major depression. I would like to switch from Depakote to Lithium. What do you think?