I will be honest with you, I was scared to take Lithium - really scared. I think, in my thoughts, it confirmed I had a serious illness (as well as potential bad side effects) and so I avoided it - for as long as I could. It took a good hypomanic episode to convince me to try it. I did have some typical side effects; shaky hands, dry mouth, loss of short term memory and severe nausea. They all went away fairly quickly (the nausea was yuck..needed to space my doses)and they were more annoying than anything. Now, more than a yr later I am feeling more myself than I can remember since this illness first beset me. I feel clear headed and not weighted down. I can see beauty and enjoy it. I have more energy that lasts all day. I have a will to live and a mind that desires it. Thoughts of death are now rare. Thoughts of suicide began to disappear shortly after taking Lithium and an antidepressant. I look back to being first diagnosed and the hell that followed of trying to find the right blend of meds... to beginning Lithium... to today. I am so incredibly thankful for the medication and dear family who had the strength to get me to this point. I thank God for rescuing me. I am alive for a purpose and I aim to do good and live well. I have my life back. I know what true joy is. I am glad I took the chance to try Lithium. Published: November 07, 2007 ::

The lithium worked great for awhile, and then it shut down my thyroid. I became sluggish and suddenly gained 20 pounds. I had to stop taking it immediately Published: October 05, 2007 ::

Found medication very effect, but side effects were difficult. It spiked my blood pressure, requiring medication. Frequent thirst and urination; loss of focus and memory, shaking and fine motor difficulties, and fatigue. Published: October 29, 2007 ::

I have been taking this medicine for about 18 months now. I have regular blood work done to determine dosage increase or decrease and liver function. And I have never been better. I still have moments of depression but they are manageable now instead of all consuming. The best part is that the nightmares, paranoia and spinning thoughts are gone. I've taken several other medicines that would work at first but within a month the symptoms would come back. But, the Lithium has saved my life! Published: August 24, 2008 ::

This medication was a life saver for me! I started taking it while I was hospitalized for an attempted suicide. I was still taking my other medications but they obviously were not cutting it for me! I have been handling my disorder very well ever since lithium came into my life. Published: January 07, 2008 ::

I was very afraid to try this drug, but now I am very glad that I trusted my Doc- I feel a huge difference in how I feel everyday.My mood swings are happening less and less, and that makes me happy, but it makes my fiance especially happy to see me better. Published: January 02, 2008 ::

I HAVE BEEN HUNGRIER AND FREQUENT URINATION THATS IT Published: September 25, 2007 ::

When,I first started taking Lithium for my bi-polar disorder; I would take my med. in the morning, but i found out that if I take the lithium at night time before bed, I feel 10xs better(mood swings controlled). Published: August 14, 2008 ::

I have not had a single major episode since beginning lithium treatment 7 months ago--the longest I've gone in years. However, some of the side effects are kicking in. I initially had a severe outbreak of acne when I first started (and each time my dose was increased) but that's stabled out. Now, I pee ALL THE TIME, I'm constantly tired and I'm gaining weight--15 lbs so far. I still feel as though it's worth it but the weight gain worries me. Published: February 26, 2008 ::