I'll answer the ones I can!

1. That is really weird and dangerous. How much are you taking? When i was in the hospital they put me on lithium and i had my blood drawn 2 times while in the hospital so they could monitor it. I had to quit taking it soon after i got out though because of side effects. I would def mention it to your dr.

3. They will mention it when they think you're a danger to someone else or yourself. Both times i went it was voluntary but i know they can make you go involuntary. It is always better to go in voluntarily. If you tell them you're suicidal, they won't make you go. It's only when you have a plan or are really really really suicidal and being impulsive or something (that is why i had to go both times).

4. It depends! I only started getting treatment in like June (i'm only 18 though), was put on 1 med for 4 months and was still really bad and got worse as the days went on. then **** hit the fan in November and that is when my med experiments really began (you can see all my past rx). still haven't found the right combo.

6. There is still a chance to have some type of episode. depends how well the meds control it, obviously. i think if you only do meds and call it good, with no therapy, there is a higher chance you will have an episode.