[guppybear76]

I am just being told I have severe depression based Bi-Polar. And doc wants me on Lithium. It sounds scary to me. Does anyone know how safe this is and is it going to put a ton of weight on me??? Thank you for anything

[manicminer]

here's a helpful link.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/meds/...carbonate.html

[lad007]

Well don't be afraid to take it. It has done me a lot of good. There are side effects to contend with and it depends on how your body reacts to it, but your doctor will let you know what to watch out for. I had a lot of trouble for about 3 months, pretty sick, then it got better.

[dejavu65]

I have been taking Lithium for a while now. The side effects are the only thing that I find hard to deal with. That and the flat mood. Just remember to drink lots of water. Your PDoc should go over a lot of this before you start this med. If he/she does not, just ask them. Good luck.

[sugahorse1]

Is it weight neutral?

[Confusedinomicon]

No. You usually gain some weight on it.

You will be fine as long as you stay away from juices with sugars, soda and anything else with a lot of preservatives. Don't mistaken your thirst with hunger.

[sugahorse1]

Grrrrr - really don't want to gain weight. But I am noticing it slightly. Will just try satisfy my thirst with more water and not allow my body to think it's hungry, lol

[estimated prophet]

i've been on lithium for a year now. Gained about 10 lbs in the first 2 weeks, but i have stayed there ever since. The only thing i hate about lithium is when i take it it seems to sit in my stomach for a while. Especially if not taken with food. Other than that it has given me a lot more stability. It has a very long history. So dont be scared.