pink I agree the 1st doc didn't handle this well. sometimes we like the doc but it doesn't mean he's a good doc for us.

I tried lithium for a while. had the regular labs to make sure it remained in the therapeutic range. It was okay and did stabilize my moods a bit, but not enough for me to keep taking it. I didn't like the fact that the therapeutic level is a hair off the toxic level and monitoring was so crucial. But also for me, it interfered with my thyroid that was already functioning chaotically.

Lithium works well for many and is not only a good mood stabilizer but is reportedly good for helping to calm impulsive behavior, I just recently read.

Just be sure you know what needs to be done as far as the blood tests go, and make sure you get them by making sure your doctor orders them when they're due. Your doctor could put in a standing lab order at the hospital lab or whatever lab you use so that you can pop in and get it done when you are free, without having to schedule a doctor's appointment first.