Thanks codeWeasel.... sorry I missed your post earlier.

You make a good point about everyone reacting differently. Just the same it is comforting to hear success stories.

One of the challenges I have trying to understand med treatment is the combinations some people are taking. In your case for example you are taking both lithium and Depakote. I thought I read when I was reading about Lithium here on PC that Depakote is used in place of Lithium. I must be confused. No surprise there. lol.

It has been mentioned by a few here that close monitoring of blood levels is important. I wonder how often should bloodwork be done and is that .9 level the optimal target? I am not all that confident with my GP being on top of things so I need to know going in what close monitoring means.

If you don't mind Code could you expand for me what you mean by too activiating means? How long were you taking limictal?

I wonder too if any of you expect to be on lithium forever to manage symptoms or do you see a day when you will be able to function without it? This is really the source of my greatest anxiety. If it is so hard on the liver and kidneys how long can someone be on the med before it adds up to serious problems.

Sorry for all the questions. I have read up on lithium from a few sources but there is little said about length of use and effects of long term use. I suppose like with any med question it varies from person to person. I just wonder for those who are taking lithium what are your expectations in terms of how long you will need to take it.

Thanks again everyone for being so accommodating and supportive. Your patience with me is appreciated.