Lithium is supposed to be the ‘gold standard’ treatment for bipolar. I’m not sure I agree, it has given me an underactive thyroid and has done little to stop many severe manic episodes and suicide attempts. It is supposed to be the only drug that can prevent suicides. I can’t imagine what coming off it would actually be like since I’ve been on it for so long. I also am missing a kidney since birth. Apparently lithium can cause kidney failure. It gets checked every so often. I will just have to trust the NHS I suppose.
‘Taking lithium for a long time can also cause problems with your kidneys or thyroid gland. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. Signs of kidney problems include swollen hands or ankles, feeling tired and short of breath, changes in your pee and feeling sick.’ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lithium/side-effects-of-lithium/#:~:text=Taking%20lithium%20for%20a%20long%20time%20can%20also%20cause%20problems,your%20pee%20and%20feeling%20sick.
Having said this, lithium scored 7.3 /10 at Drugs.com based on 344 reviews.
What is correct?
It would seem the jury is out, to answer your question.
However, it remains 'the gold standard' for treatment of bipolar.....L