Doc wants me to start Lithium

So I saw doc Wednesday and he wants me to start lithium 300 2xs a day. I was on it once before for like a week I think when we first talked of me having bipolar like 1 1/2 year or so ago but I freaked out and just stopped taking it and stopped seeing my doc. I don't remember what it was like and I am nervous to be on it, especially with all the other meds I'm on. Doc says once I am at the right dose I can probably go off of some of the other meds I'm on.

Can anyone who is on lithium offer their experience. I know this sounds so petty but I am so concerned with weight gain. I will flip my lid if I gain weight , that's a deal breaker for me. As petty as it sounds that will send me into a depression in itself! I know everyone reacts different but just curious how most people's experience has been. Thanks in advance!

Not to scare you off but lithium was awful for me. I gained 20 lbs in like two months. I was thirsty literally all day long. I went toxic off it twice - my hands shook so bad you couldn't even read my handwriting. I quit it after about three months because it didn't even help my mood swings, just made me a robot.

But some people find it really effective so it might be worth a try at least.

Keep in mind that everyone is different!

But for me....lithium has got to go. IM thirsty 24/7 and no amount of water is enough. I have gained some weight but I have an underactive thyroid and lithium has made it worse (which is probably why I gained), I have acne since starting lithium, it upsets my stomach so much I have take the liquid form. So far...I see no improvement and I take 1200mg a day!

It was weight neutral for me when I use to take it.

Greeeeaaaatt! Can't wait to start! Let's see if anyone else has some good things to add!

I'm sorry! I considered deleting my post. I know there are some people on here who take it and have no problems!

I was only on lithium for about a week before I had to stop. In that week I tapered up to about 650mgs, it was while I was in the hospital that I started it. I had to quit like 2 days after being discharged because I started getting extreme tremors in my hands. I got twitches as well from Abilify, even at my starting dose (I got up to 15mg then they switched me bc it didn't help me at all) Plus I just felt weird in lithium dk. You can talk to your psych about not taking it if you have concerns, they can't force you.

Like I said....everyone is different. For some people, its great! Just like Abilify...great med for some but Im allergic so I cant take it. I was just being honest on how its affected me.

No wildflower... Don't be sorry! I really want to hear everyone's true experiences, good and bad! I know everyone reacts differently! I filled the script but haven't started it. I'm not At such a bad place right now where I have to start it immediately... I have room to think!

I have been on Lithium for three years and it has been a life saver. For me it has stopped the impulsiveness that led to many dangerous acts and pulled me out of severe mixed states. It seems to help ease the mania side of things but not the depression. I guess it depends what symptoms you are taking it to treat. I have gained weight but the times I went off it due to that I became really unwell again so had to go back on it. I am comfortable with the weight gain now but I was seriously underweight when I started so I am at a normal weight now. It also increased my blood pressure to a healthy 120/80 ish. It was very low beforehand leaving me dizzy all the time. I say give it a try and see if it helps treat your symptoms or not. In the end no med is worth taking if it doesn't bring significant positive change.

After the first few days where I was first quite scared (I had bad back ache, fuzziness and confusion and nausea; this went away fyi) it dramatically lifted my depression. I felt really nice and calm. I didn't get awfully thirsty and I haven't gained weight. However I've reduced my dose as I started getting really sick and tired and I could barely concentrate. This started when the weather got hotter. I have more energy now that I've reduced but I have noticed I feel slightly out of kilter now.

Good luck, you'll know if it feels right to you

You'll be pleased to hear that it didn't make me fat!


But it did make me stupid, parkinsonian and acne riddled instead.


Wouldn't take that stuff again even if someone paid me, I would rather suck on lithium batteries instead. I'm sure its much healthier!

Got Lithium Toxicity at 1800mg, but my Dr. had increased from 1200 to 1800, and that also probably wasn't an appropriate dose for me (too much), as I'm 5ft 3. I would personally never go on it again after experiencing that, but you're on much smaller dose than I am. I'm sure you'll do fine

Hahaha... Thanks for my 5:20am burst of laughter! No need for my kids alarm to go off now!

I take 600mg twice a day and the only side affect has been being thirsty all the time which sucks being diabetic and all. My weight has been stable but even if I gained I would not quit taking it because of the positive outcome I mean it is nice to wake up not wishing I was dead all day.

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You're most welcome glad your day started on a good note!

Hahahah.

But really tho, don't suck a battery. :P

I've been on 900 mg lithium for around 3 years. It really helped my mood and relieved suicidal ideation. It has been weight neutral for me...I've actually been losing weight.