Google lithium. It will help you understand the medication better. Mania is a thing of denial; it feels so good it cant possibly be considered a disorder right? wrong. I have bi polar and my meds just keep me at an even keel. I was also diagosed 5 years after getting sober. Went into the hosptial many times as i have other diagnosis. Follow directions and you shjould be ok. There are many mood stabalizers out there if the side effects get to you (not saying they will- just did for me). Above all hang tough. We are all on our own journey.