I don't know about the mixed episode. I have been diagnosed about 15 years ago been on dozens of meds. I agree that you have to give them some time to work and for me after two or three weeks the most severe side effects taper off.

Only four years back I, together with my great pdoc, found a combination that is working for me. Topamax twice a day, Welbutrin, Risperdal twice a day - I do not experience any side effects known to me on this combination. If I have a manic episode I take Seroquel XR (which is much better than Seroquel) and Clonazepam, the side effects are still quite severe but it gets me out of it and stabilised.

Good luck, I hope you find what works for you.