I have never taken Lithum ... depakote and lamictal are my history ... but in general it took 3 -4 years to accept the dx ... been over 5 years and I was playing with my dose (just last week ) ... I have always had bad results on my own ... my advice would be give it more time ... and talk to your pdoc about changes you want to take .. good luck either way ... I know bper's just can not keep there hands off the pill bottles ... just the way we are .... Tigger .