Lithium effected me horribly as it seemed to keep me in a constant depression. My abilities are extremely effected when depressed or manic so I think the meds might actually be helping my brain to function better right now than they would without. I don't know for sure though. My personality is about the same as my stable personality.....I see no difference. When my cognition is compromised I am not myself and it's very distressing. The meds are suppose to keep me from going too far up or too far down and that does seem to be what is occurring which helps my cognition. Meds should make us better, not worse but I do realize we are all different and that some side effects must be accepted. (((Hugs)))