I can't afford to go to a different doc... I am on free med clinic because I don't make enough to cover the cost of the doctor let alone the meds.

as for the lithium levels... I just started taking the lithium as of Saturday 9/12. it is the Depakote that I haven't had levels done on since January. it too is supposed to be checked every 3-6 months.

I am on quite a cocktail of meds and I am hoping that the doctor is planning on weaning me off the Depakote... so far she hasn't listened to the fact that I don't feel any help from Depakote. I understand that the other pills are necesary but she keeps uping dosages of a med that was helping just fine at the level it was at... 2 60mg upping it to 2 80mg.

it is so very frustrating to tell the doctor that I felt fine with the dose that I was already on and having her counteract that by upping the dosage when it wasn't necessary. I know that everyone can't help me but it is sure nice to be able to vent about the frustration I feel over it all.

Thanks for the advice though... it is greatly appreciated.