[NuckingFutz]

I am without Lithium (900 mg) for a week. I have been out for a few days already. What kind of side effects (if any) can I expect to experience. I have experienced a couple of short but deep depressions. I have slept more during the day and at night I have do actively work to get ready for bed (make sure to take all my other meds, take a nice hot bubble bath, lower the lighting and noise in my house.

I should have my meds from 1 to 2 days from now. Somehow my lithium did not show up in the mail the required period of time but I ordered along with the rest of my meds that came in the mail. This is the first time this has happened.

Feedback and support anyone?

[BlackPup]

that majorly sucks....

without my lithium I get really depressed and suicidal within a couple of weeks, don't really notice it at first.

stopping lithium suddenly is really bad as you can become resistant to lithium when you restart (i think that only happens if you have a rebound mania after stopping) so if you ever run out again, try to taper even if it is only for a few days. but sounds like you are ok at the moment. hang in there.

[BlackPup]

that majorly sucks....

without my lithium I get really depressed and suicidal within a couple of weeks, don't really notice it at first.

stopping lithium suddenly is really bad as you can become resistant to lithium when you restart (i think that only happens if you have a rebound mania after stopping) so if you ever run out again, try to taper even if it is only for a few days. but sounds like you are ok at the moment. hang in there.

[sugahorse1]

Have you read An Unquiet Mind? She copes fine for a few days, then the depression sets in. I'm so sorry you're going through this - PM me any time for support and hang in there!

[birdcrazy]

I just started lithium... and I don't feel any different... but I do know what it was like to quit my Lamictal and Abilify once... I didn't notice much at first... then eventually I ended up back in the hospital.

[kadesgirl09]

(((NUCKINFUTZ))) I know what its like to go without your meds and always get really freaked out if I think I am going to have to go a few days without them. Never taken lithium for any amount of time so I dont know what the side affects are. Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you though.

[lynn P.]

(((NuckingFutz))) - I hope you'll be okay. Can you call your doctor and ask if it's alright. How come your meds come in the mail?

[Amazonmom]

Insurance companies are increasingly forcing patients to use the company's mail order pharmacy for maintenance medications. I hate that with a passion. So when the med gets damaged or lost in the mail this situation happens and the patient ends up paying for it...literally and figuratively.

I always think the formularies from companies that do this are based upon whatever discounts the company was able to get from a manufacturer, not effectiveness.

Tell us when you get some Lithium, NuckingFutz.

[sugahorse1]

I would not be prepared to accept the fact that I need to get my meds via mail order. I can luckily still go to the chemist.
But Trippin was in the same position - luckily she was just getting her first prescription, so it wasn't that she was without meds. But I really don't think it's fair on patients!

[Trippin2.0]

I found out I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE ugh, mailorder is how I get them, end of story... It sux, hope you get yours soon NF. ((HUGS))

[owllover99]

Is there any way you can get it at a pharmacy? Snail Order just isn't dependable as you well know now. Please keep us posted NF. I worry about you a lot. You have it hard yet seem to take it good. Hugs.

[NuckingFutz]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

(((NuckingFutz))) - Can you call your doctor and ask if it's alright. How come your meds come in the mail?

My meds come in mail because it is more cost efficient for the VA to mail then to have a full pharmacy in each city.

[NuckingFutz]

Called pharmacy today. Lithium is on backlog as in out, no more right now, need some to dispense, shelf is empty! I am soooo pissed about this. They could have informed me so I would be prepared to go nutty! Grrrrrr! They are going to refer me to the local pharmacy (no doubt they are out too because they have probably have been referring everyone who is out of lithium!

Ohhhh, NF! Soooo very sorry to hear this! How very stressful. Take it easy on yourself and... well, I just don't know what else to say, but will be thinking of you and wishing you the best in the interim and that it all gets resolved as quickly as humanly possible!

[NuckingFutz]

Yes, well, I can probably pick them up at the local VA medical clinic tomorrow if the "referral" goes through. It is outragious for people to have to go without lithium. It actually helps me sleep at night.

[sugahorse1]

So sorry NF - I hope you get your meds soon!

[owllover99]

I feel totally helpless because I can't help you. All I can do is tell you I'm in your corner. I sure hope you get your lithium soon NF. I work for the government so I know how their red tape can get. Please keep us posted.

[NuckingFutz]

I am just checking in. No meds at my local clinib. Pdoc said if side effects get bad increase Seroquel 50 mg. I selp through until Friday. Clinic is getting emergency shipment from pharmacuticle company. Sigh!

Sorry about this, NuckingFutz.

I am always comforted when the recorded phone message reminds me: "This is the VA Medical Center, where we put veterans first."

[NuckingFutz]

"ours is...Welcome to the Central Texas Veterans Center providing veterans with blue ribbon care...". You know, I am going to talk to doc on Monday. I feel myself leveling out and I like it. I feel my feeling more (the normal ones...see the caretakers forum for more detailed information on that). I will keep the lithium on hand just in case. Gonna call him on Monday. I feel motivated. Wait a minute...that may change (LOL)!

[Ihatemylife]

See if you get an emergency supply from you doctor. Its not good to miss that many doses of any med but esp lithium. I should know I am on it an I take it on the dot when Im supposed to. This is a med you dont fool around with period. See your doctor at once and get an emergency supply. I am a pharmacy tech and we always tell people to try to order early. I hope everything works out for you! (((((((HUGS)))))

[NuckingFutz]

Well I got my supply of lithium today. Too late...I am manic. Cussed out my neighbor so loud everyone came out to see what was going on. Then I got a bag and some sissors and clipped wild sunflowers and came home and arranged them in a vase. You know the painting that Vincent Vangough of sunflowers? It kind of looks like that but only if Vince decided to drop a few hits of acid before hand. I actually also was planning on doing something illegal to pay the rest of my bills this month. A whopping 75 bucks and I would have it under control. But I am not going to do that because sometimes you all care about me more than I care about myself and I just cannot do that to you all. See how crazy I sound and I am only on the meds that are legal. Help please anyone with all positive emotional support you guys are good at? Promise to call the hotline if I think I will harm me or anyone else. Please help me! I can't control mx emotions. I am also experiencing that over sensity to light, noise. Over stimulation. HELP!

[lynn P.]

(((NuckingFutz))) - I'm sorry this medication problem happened and now you're manic. What usually helps when you're feeling like this? It's probably too hot to take a warm bath - right? Can you do some slow deep breathing? Will you be able to sleep? I hope and pray you'll feel better.

[NuckingFutz]

Practicing self care well. Answered you in another post. Safe - calmer - extremely greatful.

[WendyAussie]

I think you've been very proactive in posting here and getting support. I wondered whether you have a psychdoc and therpaist. It would be good Early Intervention to get their support if it is available.