[hartbroken]

This morning I took my Lithium ER at about 8am, and at about 11:00am they took my lithium level. Usually I don't take my lithium before the test, and it's usually about 1.0-1.1. Today I got my blood drawn 3hrs after taking lithium, the hospital lab called tonight and said it is at 1.7 and at a toxic level. They advised to not take a very high dose tonight, and call my psychiatrist as soon as possible to get another blood test and adjustment.

What is the acceptable lithium level for someone who did take lithium in the morning, and got blood drawn three hours later? I take 600mg in the morning.

[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?

[Flooded]

My levels are usually .7-.9 and I took 1000mg a day.

I always wait 10 hours between taking my meds and my test.

How are you feeling, I'd think that if you were toxic you might be feeling some of the co-ordination problems, slurred speech, vomiting, harsh tremors. But maybe not. I think I'd play it safe and not take anymore until I talked to my dr.

I had toxic levels once, it felt a lot like being drunk in body not mind.

I hope your test timing is all it was.

[hartbroken]

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.

[SunnyD]

If you are at toxic levels hydration will help bring it down.

Oh well that is semi good news. I hope everything goes good at your app

[dragonfly2]

In general, a lithium level should be taken about 12-18 hours after the last dose. Your doctor might ask for a different interval, but this is general standard laboratory practice.