Thank you all for your advice about tapering, it's very helpful. AS to questions about other meds, he previously said the only alternatives were Lamictal (I got the rash, my dermatologist told me to NEVER take it again), and Depakote (the side effects were terrible, I couldn't function). This leaves Topamax, which is marginal in terms of effectiveness, and I had prescribed for migraines already. It made me stupid. Lithium didn't use to make me stupid but now it does and I can't bear it.

I am starting a much more moderate taper, and will talk to my wife, and then my pdoc. Both are likely to be unhappy but I think that I can make a case that I don't have the level of hypomania that warrants the diagnosis. And if I'm wrong, I can start again, maybe.

Thanks again.