Typically, I begin to feel out of control. I am more manic than depressive, so I begin to notice changes in my speech patterns. (IE; speed of speech, inability to express thoughts in a cognititive manner, slurring of words) Physically I start to feel tingly, and my skin becomes very sensitive, like I have the flu. I think a person who suffers through the changes associated with bipolar disorder is very much in tune with their physically, emotional and mental state, and knows when things are off.

Simply put, it's just not fun.

Winston Smith                                             

Lamictal cleared up the anger and free floating irritibility. I've been through all the other mood stabilizers, antidepressants but lamictal gave me enough relief that I was out of the hospital for almost 6 years. I don't know how many drug families you've been through. Sometimes the older meds work when only the new ones have been tried. I'm on a med combo/cocktail: lamictal, risperdal, effexor, cymbalta. it takes what it takes. i'd say that if the med is making you worse it isn't working for you and another one should be tried. what works for one person may not work for you. Don't fall for the "everybody responds to whatever." they don't. trust your instinct. I'm sure that you can tell or will learn to tell when you are messed up and when your meds aren't working. Also remember, you didn't ask for this, you are not a bad person. You have a bad disease that messes with your ability to function normally. I would say keep on trying. eventually something or some weird combo will work.

You are a strong person to be advocating for yourself. My guess is that you'll figure it out. I see that you picked teenager as a subject topic. If you have to deal with your parents' approval and willingness to change your meds approach them as rationally as possible. Also start documenting/recording your moods in a log. A spreadsheet really works best. List your symptoms in the first row. Don't forget the happy ones and any selfcare like exercising: how many minutes; drinking how many glasses of water; taking time to do something relaxing/fun; talking to a friend. Leave one or two columns to report significant events. then date and record the level of each symptom based on a scale of 1-10 with ten being the most intense. In the significant event you can put test at school, boyfriend dump, started period, started new med. Also keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings that will explain the events and symptoms more fully. Parents and medical professionals can't argue recorded and supported documentation.

Like you've been feeling more depressed and angry. If you've been a 7 on depression and now you are at a 9 but haven't had any significant stressors anyone can see that. If you are a teenager, make a column for the menstrual cycle. That could be significant too. If you have any kind of addiction, alcohol, drugs, nicotine, food, emotional problems join a 12 step group. You'll have instant friends and safe place to vent and find more effective, concrete ways of coping with life. You might have to look a little harder if you are a teen but there are organizations for bipolar. Emotions Anonymous worked well for me as did Overeaters Anonymous. These are all available online and probably have a section for teenagers.

I wish you luck but what you really need is the willingness to be willing to make changes need to be made to make you feel better. You have to stay proactive. You may want to have your parents give you a number on your symptoms without arguing or telling them they are wrong. You'll be surprised at how different the numbers can be. But what you're really doing is comparing your reality with what is their reality. Just use the number they give you as it is a number. Nothing personal. This task takes lots of work but it teaches you to separate yourself from the bipolar realizing that you are not bipolar, you are a person with bipolar learning how to manage it the best way possible. You'll have a record of what worked and didn't work and to what level of effectiveness.

Been there, done this. it worked. Judy

By all means do not stop takeing your meds cold turkey..Keep a mood chart or journal..Give it to your doctor when you see him/or her next time..Write every time your mood changes and what the trigger was..Make sure you have the time of day it was too..

If it's not working, call your pdoc.  Depakote helped my agitation (I was in a mixed episode when first dxed) but did nothing for my depression & the pdoc refused to change the medication so I changed docs & found one who would actually listen to me & adjust my meds as needed so I'd have better results & a better quality of life.