Hi. I can relate to AD's triggering my hypomania and mania + switching meds. I switch meds all the time because either they stop working or I don't like the side effects. It can and does take years to get the meds right when treating BP because of trying to balance out the mania vs depression. Taking just a MS alone can be very effective when treating BP, as long as your depression isn't too bad. But I know with me, my depression at the moment is so bad that I need an AD as well as a MS. The risk that the AD will trigger a mania is worth not going through the depression. I just have to weigh up how I'm feeling all the time and back off or increase the AD, depending on how bad the low or high is at the time. Does that make sense? Does that help at all?
Btw, screw what your family or friends say about you taking meds. You look after yourself. They are not in your head. You know you and how unwell you are and what is right/wrong for you. Don't listen to their negativity. It will get in the way of your recovery.
good luck, take care and keep us posted about your progress and any developments.