Lithium was my first moodstabilizer and the only one that has done anything for me. If it does the job, it's fine by me. I have been normal mood when I have taken it, and it seems to funtion best at keeping the mixed episodes under control but i need an AD with antianxiety function to complete the treatment. Valproate made me sicker than a dog and made my hair fall out Huggs dear, and good luck!