Besides 1 week of depakote when I was 16, I've never taken any psych meds other than low doses of zoloft and ativan. I've been prescribed abilify, lithium, and lamictal but never tried any of them due to my extreme health anxiety and fear of side effects or allergic reactions (not to mention my enduring skepticism with regard to whether I am actually bipolar...).

That said, I think I am finally coming to terms with the fact that, whether bipolar or not, I definitely suffer from something cyclical. I have not gone one month without at least one episode of (near)-suicidal depression for at least 3 years - and probably much longer (all too blurry). These episodes often last only 3 days, but their recurrence is very disruptive and exhausting. Though zoloft might be helping some with my anxiety, it doesn't seem to effect my depression at all. For this reason (amongst others), my pdoc wants me to try a mood stabilizer - and I am actually considering it this time (we have mostly discussed lithium as depakote was horrible and I'm too afraid of the rash etc. to try lamictal)

I guess my question is - for those on mood stabilizers, and lithium in particular, is it worth it?

What are the pros vs. cons you've experienced?

Do you find it is useful for overall stability (i.e., not just stopping mania)?

[Daonnachd]

I don't remember how well it controlled things for me, but I do recall it made me have to urinate constantly. I couldn't go a whole hour without running to the toilet.

[Th3reandback]

Lithium absolutely saved my life. Took me out of years of moderate to severe depression, and brought me out of my first manic episode and psychotic episode.

More stable than I ever have been. I love how i feel on it and will probably never stop taking it. I'd give it a shot.

[pirilin]

Lithium has been good for me. Got me out of a heavy duty depression and doesn't let my manic self go overboard.
It's worth the risk. And the diligence. Blood tests when necessary, eat with salt, a gallon of water a day and a rest room available at all times.
In the NAMI meetings everybody knows who's on lithium by the bottle of water or soda.

[Woolly Bugger]

I have also done well with lithium. I have to take other mood stabilizers, but lithium is the foundation of my meds and I have been doing well for about five years. Good luck.

[st0psign]

the rash thing with lamictal is nothing to worry that much over. you just titrate up slowly to your dose. that's all.

Lithium has some pretty severe long term side effects. They need to monitor you very closely. I have the same health phobias as you. When my doctor prescribed lamictal, he said, "do not Google pictures of the rash". I followed directions for about a week, took the med, then googled the images and stopped immediately. Lithium did not work for me, but it's a life saver for some. Just make sure to get the blood tests. It's worth trying as what you are dealing with sounds terrible and life threatening. Good luck on your decision. (((Hugs)))

[Amy Today]

I had horrible side effects on lithium. I had to go off it. I felt like I wasn't even on earth anymore. Worst thing I ever felt. I had no side effects with lamictal. It did balance me out a little, but I'm still not as stable as I wish to be. Do you get the depression the same time every month? I was always getting hypomania the week before my period. The lamictal has stopped it from happening.

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Originally Posted by ElsaMars

Lithium has some pretty severe long term side effects. They need to monitor you very closely. I have the same health phobias as you. When my doctor prescribed lamictal, he said, "do not Google pictures of the rash". I followed directions for about a week, took the med, then googled the images and stopped immediately. Lithium did not work for me, but it's a life saver for some. Just make sure to get the blood tests. It's worth trying as what you are dealing with sounds terrible and life threatening. Good luck on your decision. (((Hugs)))

ElsaMars - did you find something that works that you weren't too nervous to take? Thank you for your response, you are always so sweet and generous

Originally Posted by Amy Today

I had horrible side effects on lithium. I had to go off it. I felt like I wasn't even on earth anymore. Worst thing I ever felt. I had no side effects with lamictal. It did balance me out a little, but I'm still not as stable as I wish to be. Do you get the depression the same time every month? I was always getting hypomania the week before my period. The lamictal has stopped it from happening.

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Amy Today - Sorry you had to go through that :/ did you have bad side effects right away or at a specific dose?

My depressions are totally random, not PMS-related...some months they happen more frequently than others...the only thing that seems to have any effect at all is stress, which makes things much worse.

I'm on all 3 (add seorquel to the cocktail). Frankly I don't know where I'd be without them

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I would totally do lithium again. It actually worked so well that it wasn't until I was manic for the first time after stopping it that we learned it was what kept me from having psychotic symptoms when I was manic. Like Pirilin said,you just have to keep up with the self-care.

[Amy Today]

Originally Posted by thepterodactyl

Amy Today - Sorry you had to go through that :/ did you have bad side effects right away or at a specific dose?

My depressions are totally random, not PMS-related...some months they happen more frequently than others...the only thing that seems to have any effect at all is stress, which makes things much worse.

I had the reactions right away. Within a few days. I don't remember the dose but it was pretty low because I was just starting on it.

My episodes are often stress induced, too. The lamictal might be a good starting point for you, but your pdoc will know best. Usually. Lol.

Good luck with your journey!

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[MusicLover82]

Originally Posted by thepterodactyl

Besides 1 week of depakote when I was 16, I've never taken any psych meds other than low doses of zoloft and ativan. I've been prescribed abilify, lithium, and lamictal but never tried any of them due to my extreme health anxiety and fear of side effects or allergic reactions (not to mention my enduring skepticism with regard to whether I am actually bipolar...).

That said, I think I am finally coming to terms with the fact that, whether bipolar or not, I definitely suffer from something cyclical. I have not gone one month without at least one episode of (near)-suicidal depression for at least 3 years - and probably much longer (all too blurry). These episodes often last only 3 days, but their recurrence is very disruptive and exhausting. Though zoloft might be helping some with my anxiety, it doesn't seem to effect my depression at all. For this reason (amongst others), my pdoc wants me to try a mood stabilizer - and I am actually considering it this time (we have mostly discussed lithium as depakote was horrible and I'm too afraid of the rash etc. to try lamictal)

I guess my question is - for those on mood stabilizers, and lithium in particular, is it worth it?

What are the pros vs. cons you've experienced?

Do you find it is useful for overall stability (i.e., not just stopping mania)?

Are they worth it? YES
Pros and cons- Side effects suck, but for me, they don't occur all of the time. Being unstable sucks more. You only stay on a medication if the benefits outweigh the downsides of the side effects.
Overall stability- YES

[candid_spectrum]

I have high confidence that lithium and a lot of other mood stabilizers are worth a lot of risks. Even if you are skeptical of the diagnosis, mood stabilizers can truly increase the quality of your life DRAMATICALLY! I know that health anxieties are not always rational, and under no circumstances am I trying to steer you away from lithium, meaning it has saved people's lives (as people in here have said), but the Lamictal rash is NOTHING! It happens in less than 0.3% of patients. And you titrate up to easily detect signs. It's weight neutral, there's no blood work, eating restrictions or anything else that goes along with lithium. My pic always described Lamictal as the most low maitnance mood stabilizer. If I were you, I would give that a try first!