[Wander]

To have ECT treatment I had to come off Lithium (as it lowers the seizure threshold apparently). I went from 900mg to zero overnight as prescribed by my doctor. For the first few days I became hypomanic but now I am very agitated, irritable and volotile - even suicidal at times. The ECT seems to be doing nothing so far (4 treatments) I am wondering if coming of Lithium so fast has either triggered withdrawals or the symptoms that it was treating are returning. I am crawling out of my skin but cannot go back on Lithium for 6 more days Not much I can do about the situation. I guess I am just curious and if this is what Lithium has been treating then I'm all for taking it indefinitely as this is hell.

[Tucson]

Give it a chance.

[Trippin2.0]

Sounds just like the withdrawals I experienced when I quit lithium (and the rest of my meds) I would hang in there, it brings you to your knees, but it really does let up eventually....


Good luck

[Talanic]

I'm sorry to hear all of this Being taken off Lithium that fast is really not that good. You always need to do it slowly. When I had to be taken off of it it was over time (But apparently much faster then normal. Since I was starting to have some problems with it) But I hope you can get back on it as soon as you can. We're all here for you!

[Blitter2014]

Hang in there.....medication withdrawal is the pits but you have the end in sight. Make sure you stay in touch with your support team and let them know where your at and whats happening. You can do it

[Wander]

Talked to my pdoc and therapist about it today and they both believe i will improve once back on Lithium. I just have to wait out another week of feeling very suicidal and agitated. The ECT should start to kick in soon too. Problem is the positive effects of ECT wore off after 3 months so I am very frustrated to be going round in circles. This only increases my hopelessness and despair as I can see no way out of this torment, only brief breaks.

Thanks to all for your comments. It really means a lot to me!

[Crazy Hitch]

I've had to abruptly stop my lithium last week Friday. Not ideal as the tapering off period should be between 1-3 months but sometimes abrupt withdrawal is medically required. I've been a bit all over the shop but I was a bit all over the place before the abrupt withdrawal. I'm slowly tritating on lamatrogine but it's not at a therapeutic level yet. Sounds like you've got the right support with treating practitioners guiding you through this journey.