I was diagnosed 3 wks ago with Bipolar Type 1 & my doctor put me on Lithium. I started off on 2 x 250mg tabs twice a day & within 3 days was up to the maximum dose of 2000mg/day. This caused me to feel so sick I was actually vomiting almost everyday, and when I wasnt I was fighting the urge to, so i wouldnt lose anymore weight.

I was also so confused that the simplest statement or question was utterly confusing to me & I just didnt understand. I had trouble speaking clearly & d

keeping my balance when I walked. I was also totally incapable of driving my car & was relying on my Domestic Violence counsellor to arrange taxis to get me to appointments etc. (One time I couldnt reach her & had to get to my doctor so I did drive my car, but man was that a scary experience! I couldnt wait to get back home.)

After routine bloodtests it was determined that I had developed Lithium poisoning (like I needed that on top of everything else!). My dose was reduced to 1000mg/day & although my blood levels decreased to within 'normal' range, I still had all the same symptoms as I did with 2000mg.

After my second trip to the hospital & yet anpther conversation with the MH worker, I decided to stop taking Lithium altogether. My doctor was concerned, but also knew it was pointless to try & change my mind so she let me go.

Although I can feel the mania taking over again, I am feeling much better as far as my vomiting/confusion goes & I can drive my car again, which I love...its such a cool car too!!! (very hard to stick to the speed limit!).

I have told my doctor & will be telling my psychiatrist next week that I will NEVER, EVER take Lithium again, but am willing to try other meds instead.

I would really like to know if others have experienced this or if its just me. Lots of other meds dont work the way they should with me...in fact, most either do nothing, or they do the opposite of ehat they are meant to do. Does anyone else have this problem too?