Special K: When I was diagnosed four or so years ago, I was working at a place that had several different insurance plans, and I took the one that was cheapest. When I finally went to see a dr., she decided to start me off on prozac, and from there, I went through about 9 different meds...mostly because, well, one would work for me, but I didn't have prescription coverage with my insurance plan, so she would start me on something else, usually samples, and then when I would go to get the rx filled, it was just too expensive. Instead of putting me on something I could afford that worked just as well. I ended with welbutrin xl, and I quit taking that a little over 2 years ago. I just recently went to another dr and she started me on celexa 20mg. So far, it is working with my depression, but I am still working on throttling down my "episodes" to a comfortable level. The best thing about this med is that is very inexpensive.
I was never put on lithium. However, my ex-bf was on lithium and wellbutrin both and his mania was out of this world. He went to his dr. regularly, and he said it helped, but I didn't see that it did. His sister was also on lithium. She didn't do too well--I don't think she ever got her blood tested, though.
I hope you get everything worked out. It sux about the insurance b/c that is a very big deal when it comes to treatment. I hope you can find something that works for you.