I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and recently discovered I exhibit traits of borderline personality disorder. Lithium worked well the first two days I took it (was rational and calm), but afterwards the effects were waning off. Then I was prescribed saphris, depakote, and abilify, but none of the anti-psychotics worked after a period of time. They all wore off eventually.

I just want to get to a point where I'm not up and down, irrational, and easily angered. It's affecting my relationship and hurting the person I love, I just want to get better.

Next week I'm doing blood work to determine my lithium therapeutic level, health of my liver, thyroid, and am also checking my blood levels. Depending on the results, my doctor may prescribe carbamazepine so I'm hoping this will finally work.

What has your experience been with these disorders and the medication for treatment? Were they all effective long term?