Bipolar II- Lithium

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II a month ago. It took awhile, but I finally got into a Psychiatrist yesterday. She was wonderful and helped me shed light on so many things. Our next step is regular blood tests to get the lithium to the optimum level in my blood. Who else here is on Lithium? How long/how many blood tests did it take for you to get to where you need to be?

Hi Amanda,

For me it only took one blood test. Personally Lithium didnt agree with me, I stuck it our for 6 weeks but just felt my low energy was too much to handle so my Pdoc switched me to another med.
Just give it time, relax and remember you are going through a lot right now with your diagnosis and accepting, understanding. But don't be afraid to go back and say if you feel its not working out for you.
All meds work differently for different people so I'd say take on board similar positives rather than negatives, judge for yourself if the meds are working for YOU.

I used to take it. You have to find the right level and then have periodic tests to make sure it stays there.

I found the side effects difficult but they will eventually fade (eg. Diarrhea and hand tremors). Well, everything except an insatiable thirst for juice or pop in the night.

Im on Lithium my levels are fine...so far ive had blood work done twice, I havent had any bad side effects other than being so thirsty and with lithium you are suppose to limit your fluid intake...I hate that if I get a cold not suppose to take over the counter meds and no tylenol for headaches..but its working for my bi polar.

I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 on Aug 1st 2012. I started lith in Oct 2012. Prior to i was a traïm wreck. It help me be less of a wreck. I did have my lith levels checked every so often. My levels were always fine. The only negative I had with lith was weight gain. I stop lith May 2013 and had my first hospitalization two weeks after (June). Docs tried others meds but I was admitted again in July 2013. Finally I gave in and started back on lith at the end on July. I had not been back in the hospital since.

I've been on Li for 3 months.

in the beginning I had about 5 blood test.

I'll probably get tested once a month.

I'm at 1200mgs and last level was .7

first month my toe would move on it's own, other than that no symptoms.

It's a mania/hypomania killer.

Doesn't seem to help with my depression.

drink enough water to where you are peeing clear once an hour, keep your kidneys healthy.

Im switching to lamital but have been on lithium for 2-3 years.

It makes you really thirsty. I get blood tests every 6 months to 1 year.