"lithium is the best medicine out there for bi-polar.  i have severe bi-polar with rapid cycling and have been on every medicine out there.  this is the only medicine that has worked.  i was always afraid to take it because of weight gain and the tests they have to run to check your lithium levels.  i&#039;m glad i decided to give it a try.  i had the shaky hands side effect really bad i couldn&#039;t even write a sentence.   my doctor then prescribed me propranolol and after one day of taking it i have no more tremors.  i take them 4 times a day. make sure you eat before you take the lithium.  good luck."