I resisted starting Lithium for over a year, but when all else failed I agreed to start on it. I had this horrible image in my mind of what I was going to look like and how I was going to feel on the Lithium. IN all reality I haven't had many problems at all. I was worried about weight gain but started watching what I was eating about 2-3 weeks before I started the Lithium and I have actually lost 10 pounds since starting (2 months ago at this point). The most annoying side effect is increased thirst to the point that I can drink up to 10 bottles of water per day and it does make me wake up a few times at night to use the bathroom. I have noticed definit benefits from the med. I would like to feel better but I suppose I need to give it time. I am overall pleased with the medication. I am weaning off Lamictal and Trileptal at this point. Hopefully eventually I'll only be on Lithium. I hope this helps. Good luck.