Brief Answer: Dose readjustment and serum monitoring Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking! Bipolar disorders are a challenging one and one needs to combat them from every point of view. Now the lithium usually can be taken up to 1800 mg a day for bipolar disorders in extended releases and up to 2400 mg in instant ones. The reason for your low doses is because you have just started and it is a standard procedure to start on low doses to avoid adverse effects. Now the reason you have been having mood swings and bad moods is because lithium needs a constant dose readjustments many a times before they get in relieving symptoms and synchronise. That is why a continuous serum levels are monitored 12 hours after the dose twice in a week to re adjust and modify. One can take the recommended dose in parts 6 hourly or 8 hourly or 12 hourly so yes you can divide the 450 mg lithium into two or three or four and take them 12 hourly, 8 hourly and 6 hourly respectively.But the dose should not reach more than 450 for you as prescribed by your psychiatrist. Once you meet him/her, then discuss the serum monitoring and dose readjustments there. I hope it helps.Dont forget to close the discussion please. May the odds be ever in your favour. S Khan

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