I'm lucky; I can get away with only 2 meds. I think this is because I don't suffer heavily from anxiety (so I don't need a benzo) or insomnia (so I don't need a sleep aid). I do deal with psychosis, but antipsychotics can work as mood stabilizers, so I don't have to take another drug for that. I think many people with bipolar have issues with anxiety and sleep, that have to be treated in addition to the meds to treat the actual mood symptoms (mood stabilizers and antidepressants).