I was just recently diagnosed with BP and the doctor put me on Lithium and Paxil. I will admit, the first couple of weeks on them were scary for me. I had vision issues, dizzy spells, constantly thirsty, and would stumble around like a drunk. But now that I have been on both drugs for about a month, I am very happy and very satisfied with the results. I was extremely suicidal and even attempted suicide. My lows were so low they lasted for months and my highs for mere hours. I was constantly irritable, arguementative, felt hopeless, and didn't care about anyone or anything. Lithium and Paxil have been my lifesavers. It took me about 2 weeks to adjust to them and now my moods are pretty even-toned, I am happy for the first time in a long long time, no racing thoughts, no suicidal thoughts, no weight gain (yet!), and I am even regaining interest in things I used to enjoy and haven't been interested in for over 10 years.

I say, give the Lithium a chance, have your lvls checked often and see how you feel.

Best wishes!