I think with persistence in finding the right medication you can. I take two different meds for my bipolar. it took over two years to find the right combo and I tried almost every med out there. I frustrated the hell out of my pdocs because I wouldn't tolerate any side effects. if something wasn't working well in a few months I made them switch it. made me too sleepy or groggy I made them switch it. affected my thinking I made them switch it. I wouldn't tolerate losing myself to a med. I fully function and have been stable for years. you just have to be a good advocate for yourself. take care