That's good that you are considering mood stabilizers/an antipsychotic. For me, usually I am temporarily on a fairly high dose of an antipsychotic....lately Seroquel works for me and helps me sleep too. It has been effective when it comes to bringing me back to baseline at a much faster pace than if I were to go without it. Usually, I begin to find some relief within about a week (keyword: some), and little by little, I'll start to come out of the episode. Now, as soon as I have "warning signs," my pdoc will increase the meds to prevent things from getting out of control again.

My AP is usually lowered after the episode subsides, and I just stay on it as a maintenance medication, where occasionally it needs to be increased when episodes arise. My mood stabilizer has also been helpful when in combo with my other meds.

Good luck at your appointment!