I am not a pdoc nor a tdoc but I do take an anti psychotic daily to keep me stable. I think what you have experienced is called the kindling effect.
I take geodon 80mg twice daily. It is weight neutral so gaining weight should not be a problem. I do believe that I don't have any side effects. It just keeps me from going manic.
I have been taking it for years.

Stress is definitely a trigger for me.

bizi

BP1
200mg lamictal at night 100mg in daytime
80mg of geodon twice daily
.5mg of klonipin to sleep at night.