Medications are not cures. Medications only treat symptoms, so if you stop taking them, your symptoms can return. Ask your health care provider how long you might expect to take medication. Every medicine has its benefits and its risks. Deciding to take medication is all about balancing possible benefits against possible side effects. Sometimes, it's hard to know how a medicine will affect you until you try it. Medications often help the most when they're part of an overall treatment program. Your plan may include psychotherapy, peer programs and rehabilitative services to help with problems that medication alone can't treat. It can take time to feel better. Some medications take a few weeks to work. And sometimes a medication's side effects may start before its benefits. You also may have to try more than one medication before you get the right fit, but many people find it's worth the wait. --Mental Health America (https://www.mhanational.org/medication)

If you forget to take one or more doses: take your next dose at the normal time and in the normal amount. Do not take any more than your doctor prescribed. If you miss one dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. --Medsafe

The simplest answer to this question is “it depends.” Much of the information available says that—once you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder—you will have to take medication for the rest of your life. Most commonly included medications are Lithium, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. But different things work for different people. Some people find that medications are very helpful for them in their recovery. They experience little to no side effects and see benefits from their medication(s) with the things they were struggling with. Even for those who experience serious side effects, they may decide—just like with any other type of medicine or medical procedure—that the risks and side effects are worth the benefits. Some choose to stay on medication when they are feeling ok to lessen the likelihood and intensity of future episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression. Other people use medication for short periods of time. These are individuals who may not want to be on medication all the time, and may work with their doctors to adjust their medications based on what is happening in their lives. People may have years go by where they take no medications at all. Some people choose to not take medications at all. Often, they do not want to deal with the side effects of medications or do not find them especially helpful.... None of these options or approaches are wrong or make a person more or less “recovered” than another. Your recovery is about you doing what works for you and having the tools to live your best life possible. -----Mental Health America

Contact your doctor or provider to report the side effects and discuss a plan to address the issue(s). Do not suddenly stop taking your medications without the guidance of a medical professional that has assessed you!

It’s important to note that it is dangerous to suddenly stop taking medications. Any changes in medication, whether it’s adding, decreasing, or stopping, should be done in consultation with your prescribing doctor. ---Mental Health America

Contact your pharmacy to see if you have any refills authorized/waiting. Once you have done this, then contact your doctor or provider's office to inquire about refills.

Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It also can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. In addition to these dangers, alcohol can make a medication less effective or even useless, or it may make the medication harmful or toxic to your body. Some medicines that you might never have suspected can react with alcohol, including many medications which can be purchased “over-the-counter”—that is, without a prescription. Even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol. Again, mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous reactions. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don't know its effect. To learn more about a medicine and whether it will interact with alcohol, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider. ----https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Generally, psychiatric medications are safe and effective when taken as prescribed. However, all medications have potential side effects and risks. Taking medication can come with a range of both short-term and long-term risks and side effects. It is important to always discuss any potential risks with your doctor or psychiatrist before taking any medication, so that you can make an informed decision. Long-term problems from taking medication can depend on a wide range of factors, such as the type of medication, the dosage, and the individual. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about the long-term risks associated with taking medication.