I haven't been depressed myself, but unfortunately have experience with manic-depressive friends and relatives. It sucks, kudos to you for helping your friend. Remember to take care of yourself too - you must be well, grounded and happy to be able to help others.
Manic depression (bipolar disorder) depends on real chemical inbalance in the brain, and if his meds aren't right, you friend will have a really hard time getting better. If you want to help him, you need to tell his doctors he's been self medicating. You don't have to name names of who's been providing him with drugs or covering his ass - but the doctors need to know. Also, isn't he on anything else than Xanax? This seems odd to my admittedly non-professional eye.
Also, if your friend tried to commit suicide once, you cannot take his word that he won't do it again. People don't try to commit suicide because they are too weak-willed not to do it, or because they aren't thinking straight or think they have no one to dissappoint. His promise won't hold him back next time he has a depressive episode.
Getting back to a routine and improving life hygiene can help, but only marginally compared to the groundwork that he needs to do first, with serious professional help. Please, stop enabling his lies and hiding things from his doctors.
Hugs, and best of luck.
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