I bought the 5mg Swanson's brand and took one for the first time last week. I took it at night, and noticed an unexpected rush of energy, as well as an hour or so of hypnic jerks as I was trying to fall asleep. The next day, I had some anxiety that made me unsure if this would be right for me. But that evening and into the following day, I felt great...it wasn't like it was adding something to my mood, but like it was neutralizing my existing underlying irritability. I felt more patient with folks in conversation and all around thought that this was going to be good for me.

3 days after the first one, I took another 5mg at night, (I should've learned by now, or the next time at least), and again had the same effects: an almost increase in energy, difficulty sleeping, jerking awake. The next day I noticed a lot of my physical tics coming out strong, and generally just feeling too intense. I was upset, as it seemed like it wasn't right for me. The anxiety and ticcing were too uncomfortable...but then that evening/the next day, I again felt almost an after glow period of positive effects...? Calm, pleasant, and not irritable. I decided I would try again, but this time pour out half of the capsule.

So two days ago, I took around 2.5mg at night. Again, same onset of effects and the following day anxiety, jitteriness and facial tic exacerbation.

I am bummed out. I want this to work for me. I have read that initially, the lithium up-regulates glutamate, and then after some time, down-regulates it and up-regulates GABA and this makes sense to me. I am sensitive to glutamate, MSG in particular, but feel like I also have a fairly sensitive GABA/glutamate system already.

I guess my question is, could I microdose the lithium for a while? LOL

Like literally just put a sprinkle in some water and try to adjust to it over a longer period of time? I really liked the potential mood-stabilizing effects and am pretty bummed about it all.

Thanks y'all for any insight