I don't want to influence any of you to do what I have done.

I just got fed up the other day and decided it was time for a med holiday, perhaps a permanent one. Gone is the abilify and we are down to 300mg of lithium as I taper it off. The effexor has to stay as that is an 8 week project.

I've gained about 100 lbs on these things, my body is covered with psoriasis from the lithium, and the tremor embarasses me often. If I thought these things were working 100% I'd be more accostomed to taking them long term, but they are not. They work like 20% - for me - and the benefits just aren't overcoming the risks at this point.

Now to tell the pdoc, whose reaction is most predictable. I suppose that is his job.