When I read the title to this thread it made me think of a blues song by Muddy Waters - "Champagne & Reefer." I don't suggest trying the two, but something triggered in my brain. When I was on lithium, the pdoc did say that drinking a lot of water is key to keeping healthy when taking lithium. As far as caffeine goes, I understand...I drink too much coffee even though I suffer from anxiety. It's a tough habit to break. I'd talk to my pdoc to check on caffeine's effect. I wish I had a better answer. Good luck, whatever you find out.