Lithium: The good the bad the Ugly.?!
Question: Does anyone have any stories to share about lithium? I started yesterday on 300mg and I am still pretty scared. This really is the last option for me. I have tried every other kind of treatment for my mood disorder and nothing has worked.
Have you ever had lithium toxicicity?
What happened?
Answers: Does anyone have any stories to share about lithium? I started yesterday on 300mg and I am still pretty scared. This really is the last option for me. I have tried every other kind of treatment for my mood disorder and nothing has worked.
Have you ever had lithium toxicicity?
What happened?
I have been on Lithium (1050 mg this has varied)/Lamictal combo for 4 years, and it has pretty much saved my life. I was on too many meds throughout my very ill 9 years with absolutely no results, only hospitalizations and ECT's. Finally, a pdoc came along and put me on these. I was skeptical of Lithium (heard about the toxic and weight gain), but really, what is more important - wellness or weight gain? My doctor does regular blood tests (a MAJOR requirement), but other than that, no real problem with everyday life.
One word of CAUTION though....I was kind of lame and went to a flea market once in the scorching heat, no breakfast, no water with me, no hat, and stood out there for over 3 hours. Needless to say, I thought I had flu symptoms when I returned home, started to vomit and fainted. Went to hospital and turned out I was badly dehydrated. Outcome: On IV for 2 days in hospital. Didn't listen to doc's warnings about the sun.
Not first hand experience, but my cousin had to take lithium, she was much,much better whilst on it but sometimes got herself thinking that now she is OK,she should stop taking it,and so she would stop. This led to her having terrible mental episodes which she cannot remember to this day so, my advice would be to take the lithium as prescribed and see your doctor regularly - and however much better you feel,remember that it's because of the meds that you are well and stay on them unless your doctor tells you not to. Good luck,I hope it works for you.
dear
lithium is not the last option to control mood disorders you should also try of some cognitive psychotherapies .
so please contact to your psychiatrist and ask him for a clinical psychologist who will definitely help you.
If your body needs the lithium, you will probably not experience toxicity, especially on a low dose like that. If your body doesn't need the lithium, then you may have an adverse reaction.
Drink plenty of water, that's the most important thing (hah, I'm saying this as I'm guzzling down my energy drink... my lithium count is so probably screwed... sigh....). Plenty of water will help dilute the lithium. It will still work, but it won't be in a high enough concentration to overdose you.
Saul