BLNS, your symptoms are indicative of your becoming dependent on alcoho or are an alcoholicl. i self medicated years ago and became an alcoholic. in recovery many years now. i am also bipolar. i was self medicating. they say if we drink to gain a feeling or to get rid of one, we're drinking for all the wrong reasons. here's some info that may address your concerns http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx16.htm
please note #4.
also to help you define your situation another good article
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/sym...of-alcoholism/
there is a very fine line re dependency and active alcoholism.
regardless, if you are on meds drinking alcohol interferes with your meds effects. this can be a serious, medical combo too.
you can discuss this with your T or pdoc or GP. another excellent, imo, option is to attend some AA meetings. they say if you're not sure if you have a problem/alcoholic don't drink for 30 days. this is a good test to see what evolves over those 30 days. my opinon only, sounds like you're an alcoholic BUT only you can determine/decide if you are and want to get help.
AA was the answer for me...now 21 yrs. sober. it certainly helped me with the effects of my meds. for bipolar too. for the most part i'm stable.
glad you posted in addictions forum. your concerns are another indicator you probably are headed in the wrong direction. we're here to support you regarding your stopping drinking. hope you'll keep us posted.