@peterears Hello. I am 53 years old with bipolar. I know how frustrating it can be to find the right type of medication that doesn't exacerbate other health conditions. Although I don't have tinnitus, I have taken medications with other side effects such as weight gain. I also know how it feels to want to withdraw from others. Living with bipolar can be very isolating because it is not something that other people can relate to or understand. I hope that the valproate works well for you. Finding the right medication is important and can make all the difference.