Pdoc concerned about my mood, not my side effects?

I've been prescribed Lithium after Lamictal failed, for the fact that Lithium has been around for a long time so it's safer(according to my pdoc). However I've been dreading it for the last 2 months due to the side effects. Constant nausea, memory loss/cognitive slowdown, drowsiness and the list goes on. I tried to man up and stand through all those difficulties simply because of the hope that it will get better. But nop.
Yesterday I had an appointment with my pdoc and told him that I'm stopping the med. He did not recommend it, saying that the mental slowdown and the frustration is due to me having depressive episode. He then prescribed Zoloft(anti-depressant 25mg) and advised me to press on as they are gonna make me feel better. I was like, "what about my side effects man?" He started blabbering away about my mood and gave me an appointment 3 weeks later. He have been my pdoc for almost 2 years so I always count on him as he is friendly, listens to my problems and advises well. But this time I couldn't understand why he overlook my physical problem..

Is this normal? Should I trust him on whatever he's doing?
I really want to make an urgent appoint and tell him frankly that Lithium ain't doing good but cr*p to me so I quit. But at the same time, I want to get that nice happy mood I miss so much. I feel like with all this medication I'm hoping on nothing. Sigh...

I would go with his plan for now as it's worth a try and depression can, indeed, cause impaired cognition and drowsiness. I wish you the best.

Has your doctor confirmed with a blood test that you're not taking too much lithium? If the lithium serum level in your blood is too high, you can suffer lithium toxicity and its associated side effects.

Sounds like you have had a good relationship with your pdoc so why don't you get honest with him and let him know that you don't feel that he took your concerns into account. See what he says. He may have a good explination and wasn't clear explaining it to you, or he may revise his plan. Give him the benefit of the doubt, but also get your concerns addressed. You deserve to understand your treatment, and it might keep you from playing with your meds yourself (never a good idea). Hope this helps and hope you get better fast!

I would call and get an appt asap

Meanwhile since appts for pdocs take so long ...go ahead and start making appts with a new one?

You might need one if you Pdoc keeps blowing you concerns about side effects you no longer want nor can handle .

Often having a fresh set of eyes can make a huge change for you in quality of life.

Don't forget your Pdoc works for you , ideally with you , but he isn't listening.

My Lithium is at the therapeutic level(found out during that appt itself). For now, I'm gonna wait it out until my next appointment to address the issue with him. If he doges it again, I might have to get a new pdoc. And I'm starting to find ways to cope with the side effects, like drinking milk to prevent the nausea. So there is that. Anyway thanks guys