Lithium..is anyone here on it?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Lithium..is anyone here on it?
7
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 3:58pm
I just came from my pdoc app and we have discussed taking Lithium before but I was reluctant because of all the side effects. Quite frankly, the word terrifies me. I sem to be resistant to other meds so we are seriously considering this option. My pdoc told me to look it up and find out online from people who take it. He suggested a site, but I feel more comfortable coming here since I know some of you.

I'm asking if anyone has or is taking this and how it has affected them. Did it make you drowsy? I seem to have the opposite effect with meds. All of my meds right now are supposed to make me drowsy but that doesn't happen. Also how does it affect your memory? Right now I have a hard time concentrating on anything, there are too many thoughts inside. Will Lithium help that? Anyone?

Deb

    CL for The

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 4:03pm
Deb,

My pdoc put me on lithium some time back. I'm not going to be any help here...because I learned that it can be lethal and made him take me off of the med. I was scared to death. But....I'm sure someone will have good news for you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

(((((HUGS)))))

Carla
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 4:12pm
That is exactly why I am reluctant. He says that they monitor your blood count every month until you are stable. It still doesn't comfort me..why would it, lol

    CL for The

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 11:43pm
Deb:

Lithium is my miracle drug. Yes, the first week or so I took it I was beyond exhausted. I was half asleep all the time. So, my pdoc started me at a very low dose for a week and then scaled me up to a theraputic dose. Yes, you have to have your blood levels checked to get to the theraputic level.

BUT - I don't really have any side effects from lithium. After 2 weeks of being on lithium my moods were stable. I didn't gain weight. The shakes subsided. The drowsiness was gone. Best of all, my moods were "normal". EVERYONE was noticing, and most were straight out commenting to me about it. I love lithium.

I have since added Topamax - primarily for my migraines, but also to help with stabilizing my moods. Occasionally, I would still get rages and the topamax helps with that.

Two things to keep in mind if you do try lithium - you will need to keep your caffine intake to a minimum and you will need to be alert to drug interactions such as pseudoephodrine (most otc cold remedies). But for the most part, it is awesome.

Good luck!

Tracey

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Thu, 11-04-2004 - 11:14am

Deb,

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-04-2004 - 12:02pm
Thankyou everyone for your input. I'm still not decided. My pdoc just put me on Wellbutrin (I get bad depression and rages) I am hoping that with the Seroquel and Lamictal it will help. I think it's just a matter of getting the right mix. Right before all this happened I had stress triggered mania and went wild, then crashed into the depression and fits of anger. Stress is a major trigger for me and God do I have a lot of it. Trying to make your life less stressful can be a great stress in itself, lol. Thaks again everyone. I lurk a lot, but I'll try to post more.

    CL for The

Avatar for tracilbell
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2003
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 4:19pm
I've heard that it works very well for many people, but I've also heard it may cause weight gain. That's my #1 fear. I know for some ppl that's a minor issue, but for me, it's a deal breaker (I'll post my intro in a few)

Traci

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 4:54pm
Hey Traci

Welcome to the board! I think I have already posted about my reaction to Lithium (love it). I'll welcome you again on your intro post :)

Tracey


Edited 11/9/2004 4:56 pm ET ET by th305899