Things got out of control and I took 3 months off from uni. I really didn't have much choice because the Topomax caused some really bad memory problems and I couldn't do my work.
I got to take things slowly rather than pushing and fighting to keep doing all the things I *thought* I had to do. It took the pressure off being *normal* and finding the right meds etc. There were some days I did not much at all so I totally understand the work/schedule thing - going to work is still sometimes the only thing that gets me out of bed!
The times I was normal it was really great to do things I enjoyed, like gardening, walking the dog, watching DVDs, shopping etc, rather than every minute I was functional trying to make up for all the non functional times. It was great to be something apart from my illness and work.
The most important thing was allowing myself to grieve. I didn't know if I would get to go back to uni, if my memory would come back, or if everything I had previously defined myself by would disappear. I had time to accept myself as more just than my work or intellegence. I had time to come to terms with my BP and the effect on my life, to accept that the BP would always influence my life.
My counsellor was on holidays for 2 months so I didn't spend time in therapy. I had some really great conversations with my minister who I really respect. I read some books. I spent time with friends (and a couple of neighbours who were not working at the time) not so much time with family...
I don't think it much matters what you do, its a bit giving yourself the head space to think through everything that has changed...