My 1st lithium test came back 0.30 ????

1st week Dosage 300mg daily,Last 2 weeks 600mg Daily My first blood test came back today at 0.30...Should I assume my dosage of lithium will be increased . I will see my Dr. in 2 days....thanks,,,my lithium level was flagged as low,,,,

need to get you to like .5 or .6 max is like 1.5 I think

I take 1200mg and my level is 1.0

Also make sure your having your blood drawn 10-12 hours after your last dose, Most accurate results that way. Hopefully your Pdoc advised you.

My pdoc told me the therapeutic range is between 0.4-0.8 when I was on it

Are you drinking enough water?

Water and salt intake are 2 major factors.

Yes. Being dehydrated can increase levels... Please be sure to drink water. Plain old iced water- throughout the day!! Watch for signs of toxicity to be safe too!

Been drinking lots of water plus adding a little salt to my meals,,,,time between my test and last dosage of lithium was about 13 to 14 hours,,,,I take 600mg er at night

13 to 14 hours since last dose is too long. That could account for the low level. As Christina said, it has to be within 10-12 hours. They should ask you when you have your blood drawn. Can your doctor order another test?

My pdoc says .6 is the lowest therapeutic level (for me, anyway, not sure if they go by ht/wt). I take 900 mg and will probably stay at that since my levels are creeping up, but still no where near toxic levels.

yep too long , Have it rechecked before you go ahead with an increase.

lithium is excreted through the kidneys via urination.

If you drink less water you will have a higher concentration of lithium in your blood.

More water, more lithium leaving the body, kidneys stay health.

The body treats lithium like sodium, sodium intake can affect lithium levels.

lithium can also, like sodium cause you to retain water, weight gain.

I drink half a gallon a day to keep my urine clear and to prevent any lithium damage.