My pdoc, and my reading of everything bipolar, have stated that bipolar does not get cured, it can be managed. Although the onset of bipolar can vary, a lag between initial presentation and diagnosis averages at 10 years. I had my first depression in the second grade, then high school, a few short episodes as a young adult and after a severe stressor (the death of my daughter) full blown bipolar at the age of 37 with initial diagnosis in 2002 at the age of 47 -- see that 10 year lag?

One way to look at taking the medications, if you are well enough to go off them then they must be working... so don't go off them. LOL