Sorry to hear about your illness...but you've come to a great place for support.

Caffeine is bad for bipolar in general...it keeps your nervous system stimulated and can aggravate mania in particular, and cause problems with sleep. I haven't given up caffeine completely, but have cut way back.

I do not know why caffeine and lithium wouldn't mix...the only thing that comes to mind is that it tends to dehydrate you, which makes your lithium level go up. VERY IMPORTANT...drink lots of water when you're on lithium. I have found that it tends to help many of the problems associated with lithium therapy such as tremors and diarrhea.

Hope this helps!

DJ