I am bipolar II, diagnosed a little over a year ago. Since that time I've had a real hard time getting stability. I have been on various medication combinations and finally, after being hospitalized in July, thought I found a winning combination. The issue is 3 weeks ago I hit another a cycle with extreme agitation along with several days of really deep depression. I almost didn't make it out of this cycle. I went for follow-up yesterday and pdoc really wants me to consider starting Lithium and discontinuing the other meds (obviously tapering the doses and not stopping right away). He feels like it's going to give me the stability I need much better than the drugs I take now. I am concerned because I realize the potential problems it causes with the thyroid and kidneys. I also know weight gain is a huge side effect. I'm not willing to put up with weight gain. I just wanted people's input about Lithium in general. The people I have seen started on the med seem so "drugged" and wiped out. I have a full-time job and am working on my Master's degree. I can't afford to be feeling drugged throughout the day. Anyone with thoughts about Lithium please post comments here. Thanks so much!