I think it really varies by person. For some people with bipolar (like me), antidepressants very often lead to mania and it gets bad. Sometimes they lead to rapid cycling and/or mixed episodes. And this also ON a moodstabilizer and/or antipsychotic. Other people do just swimmingly on an antidepressant along with a moodstabilizer and/or antipsychotic. I guess it can vary according to the antidepressant.

Since I can't take antidepressants with any good result, I have to depend on moodstabilizers and antipsychotics. There are some that work on getting rid of and helping to prevent depression. In my case my Seroquel XR is the major winner in that respect. I also take a small dose of Lamictal at 100 mg. Seroquel XR is also good for me (along with Tegretol XR) at curbing mania. In my mix, it is always my Seroquel XR that my psychiatrist manipulates.

I've heard of and tried other moodstabilizers that are helpful for depression (i.e. Lithium). I know other antipsychotics are helpful, too.