My Bipolar is basically 80% depression, 20% mania. But for the two major manic episodes I have had in the past, my hypomania probably lasted about a week, slowly becoming more severe with the addition of paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. I did not have very much insight at all, and it ended up with a suicide attempt. (Not because I was depressed, but due to a big delusion I was having at the time). I had to be hospitalized, of course, and once I was taken off prozac (it had triggered the manic episode), I came down slowly.

Medication can be frustrating because of all the combos that don't work, but hang in there. I too thought I'd never find the right meds, but I finally found them in May and they've been working pretty good since then. I hope you're able to find your right "cocktail" of meds as soon as possible!