Lithium Carbonate and acne

I have been on Lithium Carbonate (1800 mg/day) for over 4 years. Lived with diarrhea, acne, tremors, etc. throughout, but otherwise loved the drug. After filling toilet with blood several times last week, I went into the hospital. Colonoscopy & endoscoopy revealed severe diverticulosis and severe Barrett's esophagus, respectively. All involved are shaking their heads, as these tests were relatively normal 3 years ago. I suspect Lithium.

I was on a maximum of 900 mg's a day and my last dosage was at 300 mg's a day. Lithium was great for me in the winter when my depression is at it's worst. As soon as the weather started changing though, I began gaining weight (water) and had horrible acne. I felt really drugged and was getting depressed from the Lithium. Every time that I would try to go off of it, I would relapse into my cycle (one time mania the next depression). My doctor finally prescribed me Geodon to get off of it and I've been off of Lithium for over a month now. My face has finally cleared up and the weight is coming off. We have decided to try something else this winter for my depression. Be very careful when you try to go off of it and always have a back up plan with your pdoc.

I am taking lithium with a 800mg dosage of sodium valporate for my bipolar.But i cant sleep most nights cause i wake up every hour to wee and my throat is so dry.so thirsty.I also have acne which from my teens i never had any.i also have terrible headaches.I seriously feel like stoping as i dont even see a differences in my condition.