My pdoc recently put me on lithium; it's been 2.5 weeks. I think it's helping but don't know how I can be sure if these effects will last. How long was it before you noticed lithium helped you?

Also, I am having some side effect of water retention, around 5 lb., but most in my lower legs, ankles, and feet. They are swollen and a bit uncomfortable. Does the water retention stop? I can take an extra 5 lb., but after that, it usually starts going into my fingers and hands and really becomes unbearable.

I realize no one here is a doctor, but did anything help with fluid retention? (I would like to ask my pdoc when I next see him). I haven't changed the amount of salt in my diet or even eaten more. If anything, I've been less hungry though I drink a lot more water than I used to.

Any other side effects people had from this? I am on a low dose right now, 300 mg, 150 mg in the AM, 150 mg at bedtime.