"i have been taking lithium bicarbonate for a little over 2 years. my dosage has fluctuated because i am also medicated for manic depression. i am 37 and have been medicated, on and off, for depression since i was 18. lithium seems to help with my bipolar symptoms, not so much for my depression. my side effects have been: increased thirst, tremors, weight loss &amp; occasional stomach aches if i do not eat enough when i take my pills. i am fine with these so long as i feel &#039;normal.&#039;  frequent blood work is not bothersome as i understand they are screening for my own health...lithium toxicity levels, kidney functions, thyroid activity."