Use myConnection to gather the information that you most care about from across this website into one central location, giving you greater control over how you connect with your community.
You can't gain weight without eating more. According to Why Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain? lithium binds to a receptor 5-HT1B which influences the serotonine system influencing your mood, and also your appetite. This is the 1999 paper by Olivier Massot they refer to 5-HT1B Receptors: A Novel Target for Lithium: Possible Involvement in Mood Disorders.
Many of the gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, taste alterations, diarrhea) often disappear with continued therapy. Additionally, they may be less common if lithium is taken in divided doses with meals. If diarrhea or excessive urination lead to dehydration, lithium toxicity is possible. Lithium also can cause changes in the electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG), low blood pressure, and decreased heart rate.