Lithium for a year? weaning down? loss of effectivness? Cant stop and start?

no,no,no,no.

I have never heard of such issues when taking Lithium. I am on 1200mg daily, besides having to increase fluids and a couple blood tests a year... well that is all, It has helped me a lot. I have tried many AP's and loads of MS's with no help or ridiculous side effects.
Just because you choose to take/try a medications doesn't really change how you think about Bipolar or at least that's how I think about it

Hope you find the right decision for you