Good thoughts Indie.

I would agree that in those situations its probably tolerance of over-use that would cause the reaction to opposite of its intention.

I don't believe anything you put into your body is a "stabilizer" per se. That's why bipolar is so hard to manage in the long-term. IMO lithium is a downer overall, not that its ineffective--there's plenty of studies out showing its effectiveness. Just IMO that's how it reacts in the body and mind.

Also as a side-note I believe blood thinners helped me get out of bipolar depression. I also believe they helped push me over the edge in my latest mania. I am pretty sure the effect of pushing more oxygen flow to your brain as your blood thins speeds your mind up. Since I have to be on blood thinner long-term, I assume I need to counteract with Zyprexa to slow my mind down and make sure my dopamine levels do not get out of control.