It's normal to feel that way. These are strong drugs and side effects are likely. I'm on one med that requires frequent (weekly for 6 months, every other week for 6 months, monthly until off it) labs because it can mess up blood counts and potentially kill you (small chance but enough they watch it. You have to fail a lot of other meds to go on it so don't worry you'll be on that one anytime soon.

I remember calling a friend to be on the phone with me when I took my first lithium because it felt like my first commitment to these high power meds and it was scary. Now I don't think of it much, except for keeping track of my blood draws and any side effects that I need to ask about occasionally.

Right now these are the drugs we have. Most side effects are more annoying than anything. It is worth it to feel better, to not be paranoid and hallucinating. Other drugs are always coming out; there are so many more drugs approved for bipolar than there were when I was diagnosed 15 years ago.

It helps to keep a list of any side effects you are potentially feeling and bring that to pdoc appointments, at least while you are adjusting to everything. Soon you'll be used to many side effects and others will go away.

It does get easier. I just glad you finally got treatment. You deserve to feel better.