Hi FluffyDinosaur. I can't praise Lithium enthusiastically, but know that it can be a miracle medication for many. I did have a number of side effects, but I'll only say that it was weight neutral for me. Prior to the second time I went on Lithium, I had been the highest weight I ever was. When I was switched back to Lithium and Geodon (and Lamictal), I lost 40 lbs in six months. I lost that weight on a strict diet, but prior to that I would not have been able to diet strictly.