Because it sounds like its not being properly monitored.

I was concerned before about why he thinks that lithium can help you (what studies show that it is effective for people who don't have bi-polar?)

And now the alarm bells are well and truely ringing...

I guess I still don't understand what the lithium is supposed to be doing for you...

I guess that if I were you I stay on the lowest dose (if not stop it all together) and ask your psychiatrist to justify his decision and also to justify his lack of monitoring upon his return.

He might be charming and self confident... But if his answers aren't satisfactory then I'd surely be looking for a new p-doc... Or... I'd perhaps forsake them altogether truth be told...