The lexapro is supposed to help with depression. I can't tell right now what is working, but something is. I feel almost close to normal, though I do have side effects from either the lithium or lexapro that I can't identify the cause of (muscle twitching mostly).

I was on lithium many years ago and was only tested once, after they put me on too high a dose and I was so drugged that my boss took me in to the clinic thinking I needed to be hospitalized.

This pdoc is very careful with the lithium. She tested my kidney function before starting, then tested lithium levels a week later, increased to 900 because the lithium was too low, then tested a week after that. I will hold at 900, even tho I'm at the low end of therapeutic levels of lithium because the lexapro can cause those levels to increase. I see the pdoc today and will find out next steps.

I drink a LOT of water, which is the only downside to the lithium right now. My plan is not to be on it long term, but because lithium works faster than other mood stabilizers, that's what I went with.

As a side note: my pdoc had ordered blood tests that showed an underlying physical issue known to contribute to (and cause, in some cases) my symptoms of depression, confusion and memory loss. I've started to treat that issue and hopefully it will lessen my need for these other meds, though who knows. It's a long road.