Why is lithium no longer considered the gold standard for the treatment of bipolar disorder?

Lithium for Bipolar: Indeed at one time, lithium was the Treatment for Manic episodes of bipolar Disorder. Since that time, following medications have shown benefit for Manic episodes of bipolar Disorder: 1. Depakote 2. Risperidone 3. Abilify 4. Zyprexa 5. Seroquel Discuss with Psychiatrist: • Diagnosis • Benefits and side effects of Medications • Dose • Monitoring the effects • Therapy for stresses in life

New treatments: Lithium has several dangerous adverse effects, if not monitored closely. New medications and therapeutic approaches have been developed and progress has been made. However, a role for Lithium in some cases of otherwise unresponsive manic-depressive psychosis remains.