Lithium users--how often?

The thread on kidney issues got me thinking--how often do you get blood work done? My pdoc has me going in to get it done every six months. You?

As I was titrating up, it was more often... I can't remember how often, I was in the hospital when they put me on it and my memory is hazy. I do know that once it got to 1.0, which was the level we were aiming for, I got tested less often, about every 3 months or so. Lithium never worked to stabilize my mood though, at any dose or any level.

I started the thread on kidney issues. If I had shown signs of toxicity they would have for sure tested me sooner, but the first time I tested in the toxic range it was just a routine test, I didn't have any symptoms except a slight kidney problem that only showed up on urine test, so it was a complete surprise to everyone.

i was on 450 mg. of lithium for 35 years. it worked for my hypomania (never had the depressive side) and over the years i had thyroid issues as well as having parathyroids removed..research this as it is a component to taking lithium; about a yr. ago i had to take a 24-hr. pee test as there was indication of kidney issues…but continued on the 450 mg. last mo. i had my annual women's exam and got a call that the dr. wants to see me to discuss the renal issues that are presenting thru blood work; won't know what that means til tomorrow; i feel fine; work out daily and am otherwise healthy but long-term lithium use can cause irreversible kidney problems. am praying for a good outcome and will report after i see dr. tomorrow.

every 6 months

Hmmm ... Glad you asked. This is interesting, the frequency, intervals, and variations.

I was put on 1200 mg lithium 10 months ago to present.
Initially blood levels were drawn frequently, i.e. 2-3 x week for 3 weeks, in hospital.
Once I was discharged (or sentenced?) to a group home for 6 months, they had blood levels done but twice in 6 months, despite neurological issues, etc.

The real hoot is the last time I asked the mental health pdoc (a nurse practitioner, I never saw a dr. there) about my lithium levels, it turns out the hospital never got the results out to him, or there was some cyber glitch, or whatever. That was 3 months ago. I left 2 months ago.

I am deeply concerned about the lithium, tremors, long term effects on kidneys and the nervous system.

6 months and please make sure to get a thorough bloodwork for thyroid (not just TSH, but everything -T3, T4 etc.). Thyroid has to be checked at least once every 6 months, and if you are having symptoms of hypothyroidism, bloodwork needs to be done right away. Because hypothyroidism and depression have similar presentations, it is vital to check thyroid function before loading up on extra antidepressants, because Synthroid (a synthetic thyroid hormone) may be just what the dr ordered to rid you of fatigue and low motivation.