It's definitely time for a new doctor. A doctor may think they have the right to dictate, but they need to LEARN from their patients. I don't know anyone whose life was saved by any of the drugs she claims have worked. You know a doctor is ignorant when she says that people just want to get high off of other drugs. Some people do, but the rest (a larger population by far) just want to feel better so they can live some semblance of their own personal brand of a normal life.

I don't blame you for wanting to get off of Lithium. Personally I feel it's a drug that will only work temporarily for many people. Besides, there are plenty of new and newish drugs on the market that you've obviously not taken. Cymbalta is good. I'm chemically sensitive with stuff like this, but when I first started taking it I had absolutely no side effects save dry mouth and I lost a considerable amount of weight on it as well. Combined with Topamax, they're both excellent for losing weight while trying to get better. I took Topamax for migraines, but could not go over 125 mgs because it made me want to jump off the nearest cliff. The major side effects with Topamax, for me, were an immediate change in my taste buds (I couldn't drink anything except water, iced tea, and juices. Everything else tasted like it was super-carbonated.) and tingling in my hands and feet.

I've run the gamut with medications. I'm really selective and careful about what I agree to take. In the end, you should always have a say. You have to take the stuff every day, ya know? A doctor that does not respect you enough to work with you does not deserve to have you as a patient.

I wish you luck and send along bright blessings.