[bbTofu]

I've just read wikipage on Lithium's side effects, plus some stuff posted in here
I'm having 2nd thoughts about starting Lithium treatment which was recommended by my pdoc

Are there alternatives better than Lithium in terms of side-effects ?

* Is it mostly given to patients with Mania ? maybe if I have bp2 I'm better off with anti-depressants only ?

I'm so scared falling into side-effects that will mess up with my functioning and my body

[TryingToMoveForward]

I know its scary, I was in your shoes 5 years ago. The only symptom I get from lithium is being almost constantly thirsty. I don't like taking the little pink pills either, but it helps stabilize me.

Maybe you will get side effects and maybe not. Try it and see what happens, I'm sure you can transition to something else under the care of your pdoc.

You're going to be okay. I'm Bipolar Type II with Psychotic Features.

[Wanderlust90]

I know that feeling. Walking away from your appointment with a script for lithium thinking wtf? I'm BPII & need lithium to be able to take an AD otherwise I do things like buy a cow.

[CycloMary]

I'm in the same boat. Starting out on RX Lithium & praying for the best.
That's why you do blood work. If it starts to jack up your thyroid or kidneys. You stop.
I have to try something.
I've been on lithium orotate for a few months & can tell it has helped but it is very light compared to Rx lithium.

Good luck to us both!

[Pastel Kitten]

Taking new meds is definitely scary. I haven't been prescribed Lithium, but I'm seeing a psychiatrist soon and I'm afraid of the meds they are most likely going to prescribe me. The only mood stabilizers I have ever been on were antidepressants, years ago, and they did me no good. I've talked to some people here about this already, including DocJohn, and he told me to take what others say about side effects with a grain of salt. It's going to be different for every person, and like the others said, if you notice any negative side effects you can switch off. There are plenty of meds out there - it's all about finding the right combination for you. Best of luck!

[Woolly Bugger]

My thyroid stopped functioning five or six years ago, probably due to having taken lithium for the past twenty years. It's not a big deal, though. I just take another med every day, and I'm fine. My hands are a little shaky from time to time, but, as I take several meds, I'm not sure it's because of the lithium. If there are other side effects, I'm not aware of them.

[bbTofu]

Did my tests today, what I experience assures me that I need those meds despite my fears and doubts.
You're all very reassuring and calming, thank you friends.

Off-topic; I wish I had some pill to help me relax and sleep for 8 hours for once.
Do you ever feel exhausted but freaking-hyper at the same time? This endless buzzing energy vibrating through me, doesn't let me to rest fully - so annoying.

oh no. Anti-depressants and bipolar are not a great mix. That is why they are taken in conjunction with a mood-stabilzer. Alone they can create a state of mania or even cause a very extreme state of anxiety. Lithium has been long used as a mood stabilizer. Frankly it has been used this long and is the go-to medication because it works.

Personally I try to avoid using 'Dr Google' to diagnose my problems or 'self prescribe' medications. My doctors know and can assess me with their years of experience far better than I can with a ten minute read.

But, I do know my own body and when things arent't right. That is why I am in constant communication with my doctors.

As such my recommendation to you is to give what your psychiatrist is prescribing a try and communicate what you experience - including the positive.

I ask, what side effects are you worried about?

[Nammu]

Lithium is either a life savior or it has side effects...it seems to either work or not for different folks. The best thing about lithium is it's great for mono therapy. The less meds you can take the better. Doesn't really matter where you are on the bipolar spectrum the same meds are used. Yah...id stay away from antidepressants...they change the structure of your brain chemistry and usually aren't good for bipolar.

[bbTofu]

rcat, I'm mostly worried about weight gain and cognitive functioning.

[Cocosurviving]

Originally Posted by bbTofu

rcat, I'm mostly worried about weight gain and cognitive functioning.

Hello. I was diagnosed BP 1 in 2012. I was prescribed Lithium and Risperdal as starters. I was thirsty a lot and did have cognitive disfunction. A few months later I started Lamictal....then Topamax. I also have two PRNs. I filed for disability and that was when me and my case manager actually took the time to look up all the side effects. I filled my meds at my pharmacy and got the precautions printouts it list all the warnings. From there we were able to see which side effects I had. Lithium was not my only med that listed cognitive disfunction.

So let me say this Lithium saved me. I can not function without it. I gain 30-40 lbs so I tapered off and started Topamax. Three weeks later I had my first IP stay. I still wouldn't go back on Lithium. My doc started me on other meds when I got out. A month later I was back in the hospital. I also went to 23 hour hold clinics three times. Finally a few ppl in my family begged me to go back on Lithium. My doc advised me to do the same. I started back on Lithium but I started eating healthier and working out

Sent from iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk

[bbTofu]

Thank you for sharing this Coco.

I spoke to one of the lecturers whom I trust and admire her work about drugs, she said this thing;
"The drug doesn't make you fat, food does. Yes, you may experience increased appetite but it doesn't mean you have to let it control you, nor does it dictate what food you eat. You'll just have to choose wisely and eat with awareness"

I'm encouraged to go this route, to Lithium but am still doubtful. I recognize the doubt's source, it comes from the elevated state of mine thinking: "See, you're already better now.. why on earth u need this ****? You're feeling great, maybe you won't get down again.."
Uhh...

[CycloMary]

Ah, the elevated state of mind.....

I vacillate between thinking I'm fine, I can handle it to heck no I need help. Depending on my state of mind at the time.

I just came out of a very agitated mixed miserable state & don't want to experience that again.
I am starting my Lithium on Wed night. 300 mg for a week, then take 2 a day for a week.

I, too am terrified of gaining weight. I am thin & want to stay that way. I am obsessive with my exercise.
I will get my blood checked to make sure it stays good.

I am scared of hand tremors. I work in the medical field touching people so it can not be obvious or it could be detrimental to my career.

But I am optimistic, hopeful it will help.
I'm tired of the debilitating deprssion & irritability.
I am desperate to have a normal, stable mental state.

The rollercoaster is exhausting & I'm at the end of my rope.

Good luck to you. And me!

[bbTofu]

I'm glad to hear you' have hope. It's wonderful.

When I heard the psychiatrist say bipolar and lithium, I began wondering whether it's really possible to feel different from how I feel all the time.. Is it possible not to have those rollercoasters ? I tried to imagine and it was somewhat comforting, and then of course I thought "but I'm superrrr happy now... will that be gone too? NOOOOO THANKS"

haha..

but it'll be okay I hope.

I've booked a spontaneous trip to Amsterdam to visit a friend, I just hope I'll be fine there and will remember take my meds and not to mix it with drugs..mm