I have been on Benzo's for seven years and wish I could get off them. Will be trying to reduce soon. Second to that I have been on Lithium for five years (except three months off as a trial that failed miserably). It has calmed me down, made me less impulsive and reduced my risk of suicide. The only side effects are tremors and minor thyroid issues which I take medication for. Again I would like to be off it but both my T and Pdoc agree it keeps me safe and more stable than I would be without it.