I've had issues with cognitive changes on both Lithium and Depakote. I think it's fairly common, and also one of the main reasons that people stop their medications. They feel dulled and like they're not as creative, organized, fast thinking, etc. But at the same time too we have to be careful, because we're not always the best at evaluating our own thinking and behavior. I found for me that yes the medications do take away some of the creativity but they also help me stay more creative long term in actually following through on things. Depakote caused more of a fog that Lithium did. Lamictal doesn't cause a fog at all. Latuda also helps organize my thoughts. I was on Wellbutrin too which helped with focus before I switched to a different medication. I think it's about finding the right medicines and the right doses for you, but also deciding if the side effects of getting treatment outweigh the side effects of not getting treatment. For me, the answer is that the meds are worth it.