Lithium is a great "mood stabilizer"
But can cause weight gain problems, but it is still better than having "mood swings" While taking it, one has to have periodic blood level tests done (no big deal) just to be assured that the level of lithium in your system is therepeutic or possibly toxic, after the first 2 tests then the the intervals of tests are spread out further apart, again (no big deal) Take my word, if a person is Bipolar, Lithium is a great medicine of choice, if it doesn't seem effective then the next in line would probably be Depakote, Lamictal, etc., now also remember these are also sometimes are given in combination with Lithium, I am presently taking Lamictal and Lithium, after other combos, this has been the best Always remember everyone is different, so medications may or may not work the same so it is up to trying them under your doc's supervision and seeing what works the best for you.
Good luck,
"darkeyes"