Hi everyone. I've been on lithium for about 4 months, gradually ramping up, as part of a research study. I'm trying really hard to make it work but it's such a scary process for me -- especially this last ramp up from 900 to 1500mg, which has been just brutal (I'm on day 5 today, so peak blood level). I can remember stuff for about 20 seconds, or until something distracts me, whichever comes first. I am so out of it and tired all the time. Today, I'm starting to feel really depressed. No sign of mania but that's pretty much the only positive thing I can say about it so far. The other doses (600 and 900) were unpleasant to adjust to but not nearly this bad. I feel totally downtrodden and like I want everyone and everything to just leave me alone.

I'd really love to talk to some people who are on 1500mg or higher and are having success -- what side effects disappear with time and which stay? Do you feel blah all the time? I did on 900mg, too. Just... not interested in anything anymore. On 1500 mg I have no feelings at all. I don't love my husband or my kids. I don't care about my work or hobbies. It's awful. I need some hope. On 900 mg, I eventually had no side effects once I adjusted... is there any hope of that?