I take lithium for BP 2......it is no big deal (at least for me). It makes me forgetful and a little more goofy than normal but I feel OK. I make sure I take it with food, however. It can bother me if I just whack it down with some water.

The downside is that I've lost some of my "edge" that used to drive me to success. But that came with a price - I'd usually crash into a brick wall and take out whoever was within 1000 feet. But I simply adjusted and learned to function with less aggression.

IMO, most important is a sense of self. What I mean is this - don't create an issue that doesn't exist. Sometimes, people talk themselves into something that doesn't exist. It is a tricky balance for sure, but if you stay centered, the medication can help. My violent episodes have been cut down by 90% and I don't drink anymore so that's a huge plus for me.