so i was diagnosed dec 10th with bipolar but i was given the choice to go on medication or not, i have decided to give them a try since my life is close to falling apart now..

the thing is, i am a college student! i was suppose to graduate in dec but due to some issues with a project i didn't and i am going back to finish the last class i need to starting january 7th, i intended to wait till i had finish school before going on any sort of medication but now i do not have a choise. how long did it take for your medications to start to work? figure out the 'side effects' etc i do not know the medication(s) i will be on yet, but the names were given were lithium and epival.

also...
lack of sleep and medication, i go to an media arts school (3D modeling program) and all nighters are pretty much required near the end, will no sleep have effects on medication effects?
i know the no drinking thing, and not to much caffine?