[nicole84]

Literally, terrified. I've never tried it before, and after my history of failed medications I'm really uneasy about taking something that I hear so much about - especially the bad side.

My new pdoc is great, been through the ringer with doctors over the years but he seems to think that Lithium could work. From what he was saying I am primarily having manic episodes, mostly mixed and that is what is causing my depression as well. Which is a different take on it than other doctors have said. I've been diagnosed before, but kinda of let it slide and just kept going on.

I have to stop the Prozac as he thinks it's making it worse and flipping me left right and centre. I also have bad insomnia, I guess mania wouldn't be helping that though but he mentioned that we might have to add another med to the mix once we see how the Lithium goes. It's so overwhelming!

Main things that are worrying me - Weight gain, I have an eating disorder as well, which he knows about. The whole water thing - I do drink a lot, but also with the ED I can be dehydrated. Also worried that it'll just flatline me and turn me into a fat zombie.

I tried Sodium Valproate (Depakote/Epilim depending where you're from) earlier in the year and it made my ED worse, stomach upsets and generally more depressed and suicidal.

Lithium users - experiences, ideas, anything please!! I've taken my first dose 250mg 3X a day.

[unicornlady]

Hi nicole84,

I know a lot of people seem to have a bad time with lithium. But I have not had a problem with it – my dose is 600mg 2x/day. I had a little weight gain, but not nearly as much as other medicines such as Seroquel. As far as getting dehydrated – as long as you keep a water bottle nearby, it shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t get dehydrated at all as long as I have my water bottle and refill it a couple times per day. It certainly hasn’t turned me into a fat zombie! I have much more energy than I did on Seroquel (I was a serious fat zombie with only 125mg/day of that) and I feel pretty much normal. None of the haze/cloudiness that people often talk about with lithium. I just feel like a normal person. It’s been a real relief for me to find Lithium since it allows me to return to my normal self!

Overall I have been really satisfied with lithium, since it seems to be far better at stabilizing me than Seroquel, Lamotrigine, and Abilify. Sorry I don’t have more comparison than that.

For me, I also have primarily manic/mixed episodes, and being on antidepressants is OK for a little while then it really throws things out of whack. Not only do I get more rapid cycling (as in instant mood swings all the time) I also get anxious and agitated.

Lithium seems to be able to handle even my strong seasonal tendencies. The only time I’ve had to add something is if I take a medication for a physical condition that has a side effect of “insomnia” (read – serious mania) and then my pdoc just adds Seroquel so that I can sleep and come down from the crazy.

Hope that helps!

~unicornlady

I also want to add that I've never had a problem with stomach upset on lithium. It is recommended to take it with food but I don't have to, empty stomach doesn't seem to be a problem. And definitely no tendency towards depression/suicidal feelings.

[MapleEsprit]

Originally Posted by nicole84

Literally, terrified. I've never tried it before, and after my history of failed medications I'm really uneasy about taking something that I hear so much about - especially the bad side.

My new pdoc is great, been through the ringer with doctors over the years but he seems to think that Lithium could work. From what he was saying I am primarily having manic episodes, mostly mixed and that is what is causing my depression as well. Which is a different take on it than other doctors have said. I've been diagnosed before, but kinda of let it slide and just kept going on.

I have to stop the Prozac as he thinks it's making it worse and flipping me left right and centre. I also have bad insomnia, I guess mania wouldn't be helping that though but he mentioned that we might have to add another med to the mix once we see how the Lithium goes. It's so overwhelming!

Main things that are worrying me - Weight gain, I have an eating disorder as well, which he knows about. The whole water thing - I do drink a lot, but also with the ED I can be dehydrated. Also worried that it'll just flatline me and turn me into a fat zombie.

I tried Sodium Valproate (Depakote/Epilim depending where you're from) earlier in the year and it made my ED worse, stomach upsets and generally more depressed and suicidal.

Lithium users - experiences, ideas, anything please!! I've taken my first dose 250mg 3X a day.

Hi, I would not be worried about wight gain. In my opinion Lithium is better than most other related medication in regards to weight gain. Work out is not an issue like on many other medication. And I have never experienced a gain in appetite that I could have matched as a side-effect from Lithium.

After four years my main issues from lithium have been small tremors, and the "zombie" thing.. but there are "pros" and "cons", I never loose my temper and routine recreation and every day-to-day activity is much easier than while taking anti-psychotic medication for example (not to mention other side-effects related to appetite and weight-gain)

My experience from the Lithium consist of lesser mood swings, not as extreme manic episodes but at the same time lesser reaction from everyday events. And definitely a loss of interest in some areas but that can in some cases be considered as a benefit. .

. . Just try to keep an interest in those closest to you and you´ll be fine

[nicole84]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and advice. I just can't do it

I took the first dose, but then tried to take the others and instantly went and threw it up. I just can't

I'm going to ring my pdoc tomorrow and talk with him, I really don't think it's a good choice either considering my ED and history of purging with the dehydration and electrolytes.

At such a loss. I don't know what to do anymore.

[Wander]

Sorry to hear you are struggling with this. I hope your doctor can help you through this. My experience with Lithium is almost all positive. It really saved my life by reducing mixed episodes, reducing impulsiveness, stabilising my moods somewhat and reducing my severe suicidal tendencies. There are side effects like small hand tremors and, for me, slight weight gain but they are worth the benefits I get. Also it actually improved my health by lifting my seriously low Blood Pressure to the normal range and also increasing my weight into the normal range (I was very underweight before I went on it). Take care

[nicole84]

Originally Posted by Wander

Sorry to hear you are struggling with this. I hope your doctor can help you through this. My experience with Lithium is almost all positive. It really saved my life by reducing mixed episodes, reducing impulsiveness, stabilising my moods somewhat and reducing my severe suicidal tendencies. There are side effects like small hand tremors and, for me, slight weight gain but they are worth the benefits I get. Also it actually improved my health by lifting my seriously low Blood Pressure to the normal range and also increasing my weight into the normal range (I was very underweight before I went on it). Take care

Thank you. I'm still really undecided. One part of me is just like NOOO you can't take it, it will become toxic and you will die. Is it just the anxiety? Maybe I can control my hydration with it. There's so many positive experiences and honestly I'm all over the place.

I did have some luck with Depakote (sodium valproate) and it was nice not having the racing thoughts but the side effects got too much and I worry about that too.

I'm in an extremely mixed episode, so depressed, yet so awake and I almost wish someone would hold me down and make me take my meds. I did take the 2nd and 3rd dose and then threw up straight away because I was so scared.

Taking it for the week couldn't hurt too much could it? I'm sorry if this is confusing, I'm confused and going through a lot atm too

Thank you everyone for your replies and kind words

nicole, I'm sorry to see you in so much distress about this. I take 900 mg lithium (among other meds) and I don't notice any side effects. In the past, another pdoc had me on too much and did not do regular blood tests to check levels, so I had tremors and quit. But this pdoc started out with a low dose and does regular blood tests to check lithium level and kidney function. For me, the only hassle is having to drink so much water, but you said you already do that so you're a step ahead. You do need to commit to not purging, though, because dehydration will increase your levels.

It's worth trying. If not, ask about lamictal, which is another mood stabilizer. It takes several weeks to get to a therapeutic dose, though, so it's worth staying on the lithium until the other kicks in (if that's what you decide to do).

[nicole84]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

nicole, I'm sorry to see you in so much distress about this. I take 900 mg lithium (among other meds) and I don't notice any side effects. In the past, another pdoc had me on too much and did not do regular blood tests to check levels, so I had tremors and quit. But this pdoc started out with a low dose and does regular blood tests to check lithium level and kidney function. For me, the only hassle is having to drink so much water, but you said you already do that so you're a step ahead. You do need to commit to not purging, though, because dehydration will increase your levels.

It's worth trying. If not, ask about lamictal, which is another mood stabilizer. It takes several weeks to get to a therapeutic dose, though, so it's worth staying on the lithium until the other kicks in (if that's what you decide to do).

My pdoc has prescribed 750mg 3X a day, it seems a bit high to me? He has gotten me the starter blood test and also one set for next week (if I can commit to even trying it)

He actually didn't mention lamictal as an option, but I do know about it as I have a friend on it. I think he might think it will be too activating for me as I have insomnia along with the mixed moods and anxiety going on.

That does seem like a really high dose. It's good that he's doing two blood tests. Lamictal can be a mood lifter, especially if you're taking an AD because it will boost the AD, so I understand your concern. Do you like this guy? It's important to have someone who will negotiate with you.

[nicole84]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

That does seem like a really high dose. It's good that he's doing two blood tests. Lamictal can be a mood lifter, especially if you're taking an AD because it will boost the AD, so I understand your concern. Do you like this guy? It's important to have someone who will negotiate with you.

Oh sorry, to clarify 750mg total. In 3x doses. I think I might have worded that wrong.

I do like him, he seems really good and I've had some bad experiences with pdoc's in the past. Am weaning off my Prozac now, he thinks it's exacerbating everything, I agree.

[ozzy1313]

Are you in therapy for your ED? I have had an ED history and been on a million meds throughout the years. I have not noticed any weight gain from the meds (I just eat a horrible diet- hence the gain).

I am on only 300mg of lithium and have zero side effects. You can see my other meds in my signature and my weight has been steady for past 4 years.

[unicornlady]

Weaning off of Prozac is a good sign regarding your pdoc, and 750mg should be just fine as a starting dose - I started at 600mg. For me it wasn't even therapeutic until I got to 1000mg, so as long as you drink water, you really shouldn't worry about getting toxic.

[~Christina]

I was on Lithium 3 years , Only issues I had was my hair thinned a little the first month or 2 , thats stopped , I am anorexic and needing to increase my water intake wasnt a problem as I always drank alot and I didnt gain a single lb on it. I have since gone off Lithium for a variety of reasons.

It's a good medication for many people, But if your unsure then you and your Pdoc need to sit back down and come up with a treatment plan that is going to be the best for you.

Good luck !

[hamster-bamster]

I am unclear why you are concerned about the weight gain from Lithium when you took Depakote in the past. Depakote is much more likely to cause weight gain than Lithium. Individual reactions vary, but if you compare on groups of people, Lithium is far more benign. Your starting dose is reasonable and if you get nauseous, Eskalith/Lithobid (not sure how it is called in AU) can be used instead of the basic Lithium tabs.

Originally Posted by nicole84

Oh sorry, to clarify 750mg total. In 3x doses. I think I might have worded that wrong.

I do like him, he seems really good and I've had some bad experiences with pdoc's in the past. Am weaning off my Prozac now, he thinks it's exacerbating everything, I agree.

Oh good! I've been offline all day and worried about a pdoc that would prescribe that much lithium. Okay, so 750 mg is moderate, and it may even be enough. I have not had the hair issues at all. In fact, my very straight hair has gotten thick and wavy--not sure which med or supplement is doing this, but I am very happy.

At any rate, don't be afraid. If you develop side effects, you can stop taking it. Check with your pdoc first, of course (mine told me to just stop, but that's me).

[nicole84]

Originally Posted by ozzy1313

Are you in therapy for your ED? I have had an ED history and been on a million meds throughout the years. I have not noticed any weight gain from the meds (I just eat a horrible diet- hence the gain).

I am on only 300mg of lithium and have zero side effects. You can see my other meds in my signature and my weight has been steady for past 4 years.

I'm not currently in therapy for my ED, no. We're working on getting my bipolar stable first, or at least trying to. It's not at a 'hight point' I guess you could call it, but it's not at a point where it's safe for me to be on lithium and screw with my hydration and electrolytes. I'm glad it works for you though

Originally Posted by unicornlady

Weaning off of Prozac is a good sign regarding your pdoc, and 750mg should be just fine as a starting dose - I started at 600mg. For me it wasn't even therapeutic until I got to 1000mg, so as long as you drink water, you really shouldn't worry about getting toxic.

Definitely is good to wean off the prozac, it just mixes me up and makes my insomnia so much worse! It's hard to keep hydrated sometimes especially when my ED flares up and it messes with my electrolytes, so we're changing the lithium to be safe.

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I was on Lithium 3 years , Only issues I had was my hair thinned a little the first month or 2 , thats stopped , I am anorexic and needing to increase my water intake wasnt a problem as I always drank alot and I didnt gain a single lb on it. I have since gone off Lithium for a variety of reasons.

It's a good medication for many people, But if your unsure then you and your Pdoc need to sit back down and come up with a treatment plan that is going to be the best for you.

Good luck !

Thank you for your reply. I have been very uncertain and am not going on it. I spoke with the pdoc today, which I'll write at the bottom of this message.

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

I am unclear why you are concerned about the weight gain from Lithium when you took Depakote in the past. Depakote is much more likely to cause weight gain than Lithium. Individual reactions vary, but if you compare on groups of people, Lithium is far more benign. Your starting dose is reasonable and if you get nauseous, Eskalith/Lithobid (not sure how it is called in AU) can be used instead of the basic Lithium tabs.

I actually didn't gain much on depakote, it was more my ED being in a bad stage. It's the one that's 'worked' for me the most, so we're looking into that but at a more decent dose - (posted below)

Originally Posted by licketysplit

Oh good! I've been offline all day and worried about a pdoc that would prescribe that much lithium. Okay, so 750 mg is moderate, and it may even be enough. I have not had the hair issues at all. In fact, my very straight hair has gotten thick and wavy--not sure which med or supplement is doing this, but I am very happy.

At any rate, don't be afraid. If you develop side effects, you can stop taking it. Check with your pdoc first, of course (mine told me to just stop, but that's me).

I'm sorry I worried you!!

And for everyone else I'll just reply here to what's going on

I called my pdoc today, after again trying to take a dose and getting huge anxiety, shakes and threw up again He was very calm with me whilst I was manically talking away on the phone, he didn't even try to get a word in lol. But he was understanding, and asked if I feel like I can/should keep taking it and I said I really don't think it's safe. It's more likely to trigger my ED knowing I HAVE to 'keep it under control' so to speak, just the way ED's seem to work...

So, I'm still weaning off the prozac, and I'm going to go back on the sodium valproate (depakote/epilim) It DID work for me earlier in the year, but I wasn't being monitored and was only prescribed a lower dose from the gp and all sorts was happening then. I do remember that it was the first med that actually stopped my thoughts racing so much and almost 'normal'

All meds come with side effects, and I know the ones I got on it (surprisingly not that much gain, I'll manage) and the benefits outweighed the small side effects. The reason I came off it was because of the whole stigma thing again and actually accepting a bipolar diagnosis is really hard. Even though I was diagnosed a few years ago, I tried to manage mostly by myself and with a gp.

Now, it's sinking in. I have bipolar. It won't get better by itself. Wow, just typing that out is pretty tough.

Thank you everyone for replying. I'm glad lithium works so well for so many, I'd give you my full bottle if I could lol.