Hello jtassar93,

Great questions you got there. I'll try to share some of my experiences with Lithium and what I think.

1) For me it took 6 months until it finally took full effect. My blood levels were always monitors and I got them monthly. Once there's a good level in the Lithium levels in your blood, you'll start feeling the maximum benefit of the medication.

The dose you are on is the starting dose. It just means starting the medication in your body. You really won't feel much improvement until you reached around 0.8 lithium blood level from your blood test to your psychiatrist.

My personal experience is I'm on 1200mg and I didn't start noticing the mood stabilizing effects until 3 months after being on the right level. As the dose got higher, the mood changes were gradual. I'd recommend giving it a chance because it has helped me and my life enormously. I'm working and out and about now.

2) Lithium does not typically need a supplement with an anti-psychotic because Lithium treats both mania and depression symptoms. If your depression symptoms do persist, or you have Bipolar 2, you may be switched to a more anti-depressant mood stabilizer med like Lamictal.

Lithium is awesome because it's just a salt/mineral. It's the most natural mood stabilizer and is the first and gold-standard treatment for treating bipolar. They usually take it off for people whose blood levels show thyroid issues or low white-cell count. Or you experience tremors, or you have a lot of difficulty with the weight gain/thirst issues that come along taking it.

In my personal experience, to see the full effects of Lithium took a lot of time. You definitely need patience because just starting means very little. My advice is to give it more time to work before making a decision to switch meds.

3) All your information is recorded to what's called the #MRN or your Medical Record Number. Their job is to record everything and in case they need to report anything to the government or what not. For your personal growth, it's always a good idea to bring a notepad and something to write with for your own notes and records when you see your doctor. It's a good habit to do in general as well.

I hope my feedback is helpful. Good luck!

-berlingots