[tc2012]

Hi,

Has anyone, currently taking Lithium Carbonate, experienced Psychosis symptoms after starting Lithium?

[Moose72]

Yes I have been on lithium for several years and have had hallucinations and other psychosis since starting it. I'm on zyprexa and still have had breakthrough episodes, too.

[tc2012]

Originally Posted by Moose72

Yes I have been on lithium for several years and have had hallucinations and other psychosis since starting it. I'm on zyprexa and still have had breakthrough episodes, too.

My son has started thinking that Lithium is causing psychosis after taking Lithium for 5 months. I wondered if that was a common side effect.

[Moose72]

I don't think lithium causes psychosis. I think my zyprexa wasn't working correctly and that was the cause. My lithium levels have always been good when checked.

[Trippin2.0]

Sometimes meds unfortunately cause what they are supposed to "cure"... its not very common I don't think, but some people become suicidal from anti-depressants, and some people like my sister experence regular panic attacks when using a benzo...

So while I have no idea if lithium can or has caused your son's symptoms, I wouldn't say these things are impossible. Maybe the symptoms would've manifested anyway, maybe not, the only way to know for sure is to drop the med.

But pdoc's generally don't advise doing so unless they feel sure the med is at fault, and even then some pdocs, like my former one, who refused to discontinue my lithium even though it made me retarded, will rather chuck more meds at you than drop the one causing problems.

If he's not already on one, his pdoc will probably suggest an anti-psychotic as opposed to tapering off lithium and trying a new mood stabilizer, because hallucinations aren't at all uncommon with bipolar.

Sooo I guess what I'm saying is speak to his doctor regarding a solution. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[tc2012]

Thank you! My son explained his symptoms to the dr. Of course he perscribed an anti-psychotic. There was no change. My son accidentally missed his Lithium twice and his symptoms got better. He wants to stop taking it now. I realize his moods will become unstable because the Lithium does help that. He has been taking the Lithium for 6 months and he is no better, at all. I can understand wanting to try something else. The only thing Dr.'s do is write another perscription. The one he goes to doesn't really have time to listen. He is 24 now, maybe he is mature enough to manage without medication.

[Trippin2.0]

Meds or no meds is a very individual decision, and maturity or age isn't a key player. Most people who quit, go back on their meds because they don't have the coping skills to deal with the symptoms.

I myself quit my meds due to side effects and the only available pdoc being unwilling to accommodate me because I'm "stable".
But sometimes their stablity comes at too high a price, and that is when I actually advocate trying to taper off the med, and then take it from there.

For instance I don't see the logic in taking a med that causes excessive and rapid weight gain, (not to mention diabetes) in the name of stability. I would prefer getting rid of the "Omg that couch looks so yummy" pill and try a different one.

I do not however advocate quitting meds without having a back up plan to deal with the the withdrawl and rebound symptoms that are sure to follow.

Doing that is an express ticket back to the pdocs office.

If your son is interested in quitting his meds though, I suggest he taper off them slowly (not the band aid way like I did) while gathering, learning and practicing coping mechanisms, which will help with any aftermath.

[Marshellette]

Yes. I felt like my brain had been bleached after taking lithium. The toxic dose is unknown so my heart raced and I felt faint. Worst drug ever! For an entire year after stopping it I felt flattened out.