Carolsclan-
Hello, I am also a new member just like you. I am a nursing student and I was looking up the meds you mentioned. The Rivotril and the Tegretol are both classified as anticonvulsants. They just 'work' in a different way. The Tegretol is used to reduce the 'mania' of BP and the Rivotril eases the panic attacks. They also have some signifigant side effects including fatigue, psychosis, blurred vision, syncope (fainting), behavioral changes, physical and psychological dependence. My own sister was BPII and a Type I diabetic. She had a terrible time regulating both. It can take a while to regulate the first disages. But, you know your body/mind. If you find that after a month you still are not getting any therapeutic results, go back to your doc. You probably are keeping in touch with him/her already. Keep journals. Write down how 'good' you feel when you feel good, and how 'bad' you feel when you feel bad. Triggers, foods, stressors, etc. It helps keep your thoughts ordered for your visits. Don't lose heart, you will find the right dosage/drug. Alot of the meds available today are really affective. I hope this helps you. If you could get ahold of a Davis Drug Guide, that maybe would be helpful to you.