Family in denial - don't want me to take lithium

I posted earlier today regarding my diagnosis with bi-polar. I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. I was prescribed tegretol which seemed to work initially. I felt very level and positive about how I was feeling. But, about 2 weeks into taking the medication, I broke out in a severe rash, so I stopped taking it. During that time, I didn't tell my family about my bi-polar diagnosis because I wanted to tell them in my own time. I just went back to the psychiatrist today and he replaced the tegretol with lithium. I decided I needed to tell my mother and family today (they live in NY and I live in California). My mother broke down and started to cry but I assured her it was okay. My brother called me a few hours later saying that my mom was having some sort of break down and was hysterically crying. He asked me not to take the medication since I live 3,000 miles away from family. I'm very petite and have never been prescribed medication before 3 weeks ago. They're really nervous for me to start this medication living on my own without anyone to look out for me while I adjust to it. Until a few minutes ago, I was feeling optimistic and hopeful about my new prescription but now I'm feeling nervous and scared. I didn't have my blood levels tested or anything so I'm not sure if that should be a concern.

Please help. I really don't want to feel this severely depressed but now I'm scared to take the medicine. I tried to explain to them that they should be more worried about me NOT on the medication and that the lithium prescription is only 300mg but they don't feel the same way.

What should I do?

Lithium is a very safe med to start on because there is a blood test to show if you are getting enoug of the med. You can accurately get a "lowest effective dose". Lithium's side effects are not so dangerous (not like Seroquel!). You might get a little tremor, but not side effects that severely impair you. Lithium is well-researched and has been used longer than any other mood stabilizer. It is considered to be very safe.

Don't let anyone pressure you or push you around. The only way you will have a good qualitity of life is if you stick close to your Dr. and report symptoms as they come. Take your meds as prescribed - never skip. No caffiene, alcohol, smoking, drugs. They first year of medication can be hard. My was hellish, BUT now I am stable on low doses of meds. Side effects are barely noticable.

Some of my family is in denial.... it's been 19 years, lol. My dad is pretty bad in denial. The rest are OK. :) I think they are trying to express care and love, but it is coming out wrong. Find a friend, neighbor, someone local who can check in with you - it is good for you and your family can stop worrying.

XOXO

Thank you for the responses. I've decided to take it as prescribed but now, I have to deal with the guilt of going against my parents. They have have never been strict but they've always been afraid of everything : / which in turn, has also made me fearful in the way I handle my life. ugh.