Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyjrnlist
I usually run at .6 to .9 myself on 1200mg a day. My pdoc always tells me NOT to take it before the blood test. Everyone is different when it comes to the levels, so I can't answer you there. There's always a chance however small that the hospital goofed, too.
If you are nearing toxic levels or at them, you need to make an emergency call to your pdoc ASAP. I would also learn the signs of toxicity:
Mild shakiness, especially in the hands
Thirst
Increased or frequent urination
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Muscle weakness
Coordination problems.
Signs of more severe toxicity include:
Giddiness
Blurred vision - Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Severe shakiness
- Seizures.
Because the effective lithium blood level is so close to the toxic blood level, many people must endure mild symptoms of lithium toxicity in order to take an effective dosage. It is not unusual for people to have mild hand shakiness (tremors), thirst, and increased urination the entire time they are taking lithium. However, if your symptoms become worse (or if you have new symptoms), this may signal a problem with lithium toxicity.
Let us know if you are OK? |
I appreciate the concern I find on this site. It's a nice change in what I'm used to.
I had a little giddiness two days ago, although I am coming off of Zoloft and onto Bupropian, in addition to all this. I don't feel drunk in the mind. I did have something close to diarrhea for awhile, but I had some pretty normal movements this morning (Tuesday morning).
The doctor on call at the hospital where I get my labwork done didn't make it sound like I needed to come in last night, although his advice was to do exactly what I did - not take any meds last night (Monday night) and drink plenty of liquids.
I'll let you know after I talk with my psychiatrist today.