since i stopped the meds

since stopping taking riperdal i have been having trouble sleeping again, i have serequeol but not sure if that is a helper either so, i am dealing with right now the best i can. I am trying to get a hold of my pysch doc today to see if he can squeeze me in so i can talk to him and try something else. I have questions about lithium what does it do and what shoukd i expect if i get prescribed it thanks Twiggy2