Many medications are fine for Bipolar disorder, and work effectively.
There are some meds that may not be for some people, but the medications cannot be condemmed for the certain few.
You will find a lot of interesting true facts on several medications that are used for Bipolar as well as other disorders.
I cannot think off hand (I just woke up and need breakfast first) but there is lots of info to be found on the internet and even better, take a look at "suggested reading" at the top of this forum.
Organizations such as, NAMI and DBSA can also offer some helpful info.
Any medication, including OTC meds. can affect someone in the world in a negative way, we can also obsess with the negatives and shut ourselves off from the positives,depriving ourselves of having a better chance of stabilizing the swings, it's the individuals choice.
Lithium happens to be an excellent medication, and with the longest track record of successful use.
Again, for some people with health problems, another med may be more helpful.
I wish you luck with whatever med you choose or do not choose to take.
Please take care,
DE