"i have been on lithium for 14 years. i take 2100 mg a day and almost all of my suicidal obsessions have gone away. it controls most of my mania but only puts a small dent in the depression. if i miss a dose i will start into mania, so don&#039;t miss doses. the only side effect i have is tremor. i take 3 other psych meds and have always been amazed how clear headed i usually am on lithium."