Lithium carbonate has been the standard in bipolar treatment for 60 years and licking naturally occurring lithium salts has been documented in the treatment of “mad” people for hundreds of years. There are various patents on time release lithium salts which are easier on the body, but thankfully lithium carbonate is a generic drug so it is dirt cheap for bipolar individuals without health insurance.
Remember! All drugs have side effects and a treatment option that works for one person may not work for another. Always consult with a medical professional before starting a new treatment regimen and accurately study all risk factors personally.
It is not an antipsychotic, which makes it a safer choice than many next generation drugs on the market. As well lithium is the only drug that has current theories as to its function.
Lithium is also fast acting, only taking about a week for full effect. Lithium carbonate also works great for long term bipolar management with numerous patients on a lithium regiment for over twenty years. Special care must be taken to get kidney tests every six months (or as recommended by your doctor) as overdoses of lithium can damage the kidneys. Bipolar persons should also drink lots of water on a daily business to flush out the extra salts.
The studies on the effectiveness of lithium are too numerous to list, but feel free to do a web search of your own.