my difficult child #1 takes it strictly for seizure issues and i've never seen him happier. he's had zero side effects. i didnt know that it was used as a mood stabilizer until recently. my difficult child 1 doesnt have mood issues, and is generally a happy guy, but on trileptal, he's even happier. (and, as an added bonus in our case, nary a seizure since starting it...which is a good thing since its the reason for taking it, LOL!)
in fact, i've decided to continue with it even though he *might* not need it for seizures anymore (seizures were related to a brain abscess, not epilepsy)
hope it works out as well for your difficult child!!