Lithium has worked wonders for me. However, it also gave me hypothyroidism and I still take many other psych drugs in addition (listed in my signature). I tried going off of Lithium once because I was worried about the damage it was doing to my kidneys and my thryoid. But, I was in a depressive state when I tried switching to another drug, under my doctor's supervision. I quickly became suicidal and psychotic, and as soon as I resumed lithium treatment those symptoms subsided. So for me, it's a necessity, especially when I'm in the midst of an episode. I hope all goes well for you and your wife, however it works out.