Michelle,

We are in the same boat as you are when it comes to medications.  Many of us are familiar with what we are taking and have found what works best for us.

Lithium works best for me as a stabiliser and if needed for mood swings, Zyprexa or Nortriptyline are adjunctives that work, depending on the direction the mood runs.

I can tell you quite a bit about lithium and I can research other medications but I cannot tell how they would work for me or if they will be tolerated.  It is like picking a straw out of a hat, you never know which one you will get, whether it will work for you or will not.  It is a trial and error process that is made easier by a professional with your patient history and reports by you.

Benzodiazapines are the class of medications often considered for the treatment of anxiety.  Sometimes a good antidepressant, by eleviating depressive symptoms, also reduces the anxiety often associated with depression.  Based on his or her experience and knowledge your psychiatrist would be the person best qualified to make a decision with you about your treatment.

Many of us here could throw out some names of medications that may help you but still you would be reaching into a hat not knowing what you have or if it will fit well with you.  If you want to know more about lithium you can message me and I will be glad to fill you in.