Welcome hope1234. For most people with Bipolar the meds won't take away all the symptoms, but normally the meds will reduce the severity of the episodes.There are also a lot of lifestyle changes that your son can do to the manage the illness. These include eating properly, taking meds as prescribed/at the same time each day, exercising, keeping to a schedule (regular sleep is very important).

I would suggest that both you and your son educate yourself on bipolar. I found that helped me the most in learning how to manage the illness. I've been diagnosed since 2007 and have still had episodes, but haven't been hospitalized since then.

The book in my signature is excellent and is written for family members/friends of those diagnosed. Your son is very lucky to have you in his life.