I track this by knowing what each medication is supposed to do for me. I take several medications and it's even possible that some of my reactions are due to physical rather than mental illness, so I've become practiced at this. I also really trust my pdoc - and since she's the 4th one I've had in 20 years, this is saying something big. Of course, I'm much more open now than I used to be with my pdocs.

Figuring out meds is partly a trial and error process, too. You've got to be hypervigilant, keep mood charts, and be open with your therapists and pdocs. That's the combo that works for me.