Quote:
Originally Posted by Sapien
Yesterday the nurse that does my injections said I was manic (I disagree) and suggested calling the crisis line or going to the ER, but taht's not really why I'm thinking of going. I have PRNs to chill out when it gets too much.
My pnurse ****ed up my scripts so I missed 5 doses of lithium recently, and yesterday the concerned injection nurse called my pnurse to see if she wanted a higher dose injection or maybe the injection is causing the mania or what. Pnurse said to just keep everything the same. Well, I restarted the lithium (at 600mg twice a day, the original dose) yesterday and now an hour after I take it I throw up and get diarrhea (this did not happen when I was previously on Li). It's making me not want to take it. But today the side effects weren't as bad so I really want to just stick it out, but I figure if I go to the hospital they can decrease the dose and check my levels (which my pnurse hasn't done despite my previous pnurse saying the new one would, and of course the new pnurse didn't want me to talk on our phone appointment... it was 6 minutes long...of yes or no questions and then she hung up). I'm just worried because I've had tegretol toxicity because my team didn't check my levels (I didn't even know you had to check levels for tegretol). I don't want that happening with a med that actually works for me when I get the chance to take it.
Thoughts?
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Hi Sapien. If the Lithium is causing you to vomit and have bad diarrhea, you really should have a Lithium level blood test. Can you call her to let her know you've vomited? I'd think she could submit a blood test request same day.
I took Lithium a couple times in the past. I remember the second time having stomach issues for a while. I did have Lithium levels done, but in my case they were in range. I did eventually get past the stomach issues. Time helped with adjustment. However, I did have the levels done. My psychiatrist was always quite good at ordering them done frequently. I was so well known at my local phlebotomist outfit that they all remembered me.
I hope the Lithium works for you in the end.
As for going inpatient, does someone you live with feel that may be necessary? If so, you might consider it. If not, perhaps a little time will prevent the need.