Med change, what to expect?

Hey everybody, my doctor is changing my bipolar meds from Lamictil to Lithium Bicarbonate. If read that Lithium can be much more effective. Any truth to that? Also, what can I expect as far as side effects? It seems the Lamictil just wasn't working well anymore, plus my insurance changed again and it was TOO expensive. Thanks

Lithium is a great med, especially if you tend to have extreme manic episodes, common with Bipolar-I.
I was on Lithobid, and was fine, my pdoc prefered that formulation, sort of like a time-release property.
I liked it so much more than Depakote, found it less sedating.
But being that I have Bipolar-II, Lamictal worked a little more effectively cause I get very mild (almost nothing) manic, but extreme, dangerous, depressive episodes.
That is why my pdoc a couple years ago suggested Lamictal for my case.
My oldest brother, has Bipolar-I, was DXed in the early 1960's, after different meds (wasn't many back then) didn't work, in fact even made him worse off, his pdoc got him on Lithium, despite a few minor ups and downs, his life has been on an even keel and he, happy.
Meds effect people differently, so sometimes it may take a trial of different ones.
Also, remember there are different formulations of Lithium, so in case this one you have been prescribed didn't go well, your doc can give Lithobid a try.
Final words, "don't lose faith, never give up, things will work out in time".
This is kind of my pep talk, for those new to Bipolar meds, and the DX. There is hope . . . I know, I've been there, as well as some of my family members.
I wish you lots of luck,good energies and healing.
Take care,
DE

don't give up is right. i thought i was going to die during one med change. but i hung on and it turned out to be the right one for me......good luck, xoxox pat

I started out on Lithium when I was first diagnosed about 4 yrs. ago, but in the blood tests it showed my kidney function was being impaired from it so had to go through a yr.of hell while they did trial & error to find right meds for me. As far as mood, the Lithium was great--just the kidney funtion thing made me unable to take it.

Depakote has a dark side too, liver damage.
Good thing with certain meds doc's tell you to go for periodic tests, so things do not get complex.
Some people's bodies aren't bothered in these ways, and then there may be some that even before the meds had an unknown thing.
Whatever, one hs to do what they feel comfortable about and how effective it is.
My brother has been on Lithium for 33+ yrs., and then with age and heredity,smoking,etc. developed borderline high blood pressure, and docs found some crazy creatnine level in blood, did ultrasound,kidney has a noncancerous cyst.
Now the first thing, they wean him off of Lithium, levels of creatnine didn't stabilize to what his older tests were, take him off blood pressure meds, and now they think that was the culprit.
Well, he said he will not be without a mood stabilizer, and he'll use an alternative one if Lithium isn't right for him anymore. He is smart from knowing how his disorder is, to not refuse mood stabilizing meds. he worked too hard to be where he is today.
LOts of luck y'all with your meds., be sure to keep appts and listen to the pdoc and also talk to him and speak your mind to him or her as well. Good communication is key.