No. That is not normal. I get two side effects from Lithium - it screws up my thyroid so I need to take a synthetic thyroid hormone and it gives me acne which makes me use Tazorac but that is actually a GOOD side effect that results in wrinkle-free skin and lots of compliments. That's all. Completely manageable. My memory is so good that I remember meaningless sequences of 6-digit numbers as well as the last names of my elementary school classmates I have not seen in decades. So no problems.

If it is giving you THOSE kinds of problems (FAT, DAZED, FORGETFUL), the obvious steps are to reduce the dose and failing that, find another medication.

In general, a p-doc who does not return messages and who has let you gain 30 lbs needs to be changed.