Quote:
Originally Posted by ivylynore
Hi everyone. I've been on lithium for about 4 months, gradually ramping up, as part of a research study. I'm trying really hard to make it work but it's such a scary process for me -- especially this last ramp up from 900 to 1500mg, which has been just brutal (I'm on day 5 today, so peak blood level). I can remember stuff for about 20 seconds, or until something distracts me, whichever comes first. I am so out of it and tired all the time. Today, I'm starting to feel really depressed. No sign of mania but that's pretty much the only positive thing I can say about it so far. The other doses (600 and 900) were unpleasant to adjust to but not nearly this bad. I feel totally downtrodden and like I want everyone and everything to just leave me alone.
I'd really love to talk to some people who are on 1500mg or higher and are having success -- what side effects disappear with time and which stay? Do you feel blah all the time? I did on 900mg, too. Just... not interested in anything anymore. On 1500 mg I have no feelings at all. I don't love my husband or my kids. I don't care about my work or hobbies. It's awful. I need some hope. On 900 mg, I eventually had no side effects once I adjusted... is there any hope of that?
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I dont have any personal experience on it. That being said, I'm familiar w it. You're on a pretty high dose and while a lot of your symptoms are unfortunately pretty common, you might want to get your thyroid checked as hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as those you're experiencing and lithium can cause hypothyroidism...be very cautious if they want to go over 1800 mg/day. Thats the max dose for bipolar, manic episode. The max for maintenance is 1200 mg/day. Make sure you're staying hydrated and that your salt intake is the same from day to day so that you dont mess w your levels. Good luck. I'm sorry you're so miserable. There is a fairly reasonable chance you'll adjust to the dose, just to give you some hope. I hope you do.