Actually no, it doesn't make me feel stupid. Slightly less chatty, feel a smidge less creative, but not stupid. It does have a dulling effect on my emotions, I can still feel joy but it doesn't have the same staying power. I don't know, it's hard to describe because it's not a zombie emotionless thing but things are different. Lithium can affect kidneys negatively but it doesn't trash the liver. Got used to the thirst fairly quickly and just take it as an excuse to get a boatload of water in me which is healthy anyway. It's been used long term in plenty of people given that it is the oldest mood stabilizer and is now used with lower doses than before I think. But I don't know, upwards of 40% get diabetes insipidus. I was thinking of asking to switch to lamictal because it is better for depression, but that lookout for a fatal skin rash sounds freaky