I switched from limictal (which was too activating for me) to lithium. I have been on it for 6 months at the highest dose I can take while keeping blood levels reasonable (around .9). Its been so-so for me. I have rapid cycling which hasn't stopped, but has slowed. The Amplitude of my swings has also diminished. I am also taking Depakote, so these change aren't all from the Lithium.

The biggest problem with asking questions on a board about meds (and I have done it many times myself), is that everyone reacts differently. Sad by true. Its why the med-go-round is so common. Not even your pdoc can tell you for sure what's going to happen, so anything you take has a bit of a risk. Keeping yourself informed is one of the best things you can do in this process.

Best of luck to you.