I am so non-compliant that it's not even funny. I can't tell you how many times I've gone on/off my meds and caused rapid cycling as a result. It's been an on/off thing for 3 years at this point. And it's caused all sorts of episodes, PLUS psychosis when I'm not in an episode.

I always admit to what I've done and I've never gotten kicked out of my pdoc's practice. Instead, my pdoc and therapist worked with me on trying to stay consistent, as long as I promised that I would let them help. (And I genuinely did want help, so it wasn't like I was forced into it.) I think they know that everyone has their struggles and that medication isn't 100% of the treatment. In fact, I don't think they expect anyone to be 100% compliant all the time. Some patients are really good at being compliant, but I'm sure they've had other patients who're just like you and me.

Nowadays, I sometimes miss doses here and there, but I'm usually pretty good at staying on my meds. And like BirdDancer and Nammu said, try to give these new meds some time before you make a decision about whether you like them or not.

If I get side effects, they typically disappear after 1-2 weeks, but I've heard of some people having them for up to 6 weeks like NAmmu said. The only lingering side effect I have is dry mouth, but that's not a huge deal, honestly. It sounds bad, but I just drink more water/fluids and I'm fine. Besides, I need the water anyways because I'll get constipated from my meds if I don't. lol. But some meds have given me sedation and I can't tolerate that with my 9-5 job where I need to be awake and alert, so if the sedation doesn't go away after 4 weeks, I toss the med (with my pdoc's permission, of course). Sure, I don't give it the full 6 weeks, but if I've got serious deadlines, I can't mess around waiting for sedation to go away.

Sorry for rambling...