Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were first shown to be effective in mania nearly 40 years ago (1973 carbamazepine; 1975 valproate). The discovery that carbamazepine and valproate are effective for mania encouraged interest in other antiepileptic agents as potential treatments. Although the exact mechanism of action of the AEDs in Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPD) is not fully understood, these drugs have provided a successful means of treating and managing a very complex illness. This review aims to summarise the effect of five of the most commonly used AEDs for acute mania, bipolar depression, prophylaxis of BPD, and rapid cycling BPD.