After thirty years of taking lithium for my bipolar disorder, I am saying goodbye. We’ve had a good relationship with few side effects, aside from the newly discovered “innumerable” cysts on my kidneys that were discovered in an MRI for back pain.

Two weeks ago, I started taking Ziprasidone, and last week I decreased my lithium to 450mg. So far, I’ve noticed some grogginess and dizziness. I’m hoping things will continue to get better as the lithium amount is decreased.

This process has been equal parts terrifying and exciting. Any new drug and the potential side effects can be daunting, but I am ready to see what life is like without lithium. Having started at 16, I have never been an adult without lithium, so I have no clue what it will feel like without it. Who am I without lithium? Will I be clearer, will my creativity blossom? Or will the Geodon side effects be a wash?

One positive to this adventure, was that I stopped drinking in January when I was put on Tramadol for back pain. I’d had a few drinks after the surgery and pain meds were no longer needed. I haven’t missed it as much as I thought I would. I do love a good beer or margarita, but I’ve found mocktails to be just as fun, and I’m saving tons of money at restaurants.

This adventure is to be continued.