[Marshellette]

I always tell doctors that when I'm on either sodium valproate or lithium the back of my head begins to ache and feel swollen. But the doctors ignore my complaints and attribute my complaints to PMS and hysteria. I feel as if I would be taken more seriously if I was male. Hurts so bad. It is keeping my mania down. Sort of. Anyone experience this sensation, the back of your neck or what feels like the brain stem in your brain ache and feel painful on these salts?

[Travelinglady]

Hmm. Unfortunately, I can't say because I have never been on Lithium.

Are headaches listed as a possible side effect? I know Lithium has a lot of possible side effects.

[Happy Camper]

I had terrible neck pain that started while on those meds and persisted for two years. If it makes you feel any better, I'm male and they told me I wasn't even in pain. Wouldn't even acknowledge it.

If it's an option, I always dump any doctor at the first hint of dismissal or downplaying of symptoms. I don't have a need or the time to deal with that ****.

[hamster-bamster]

Like you, I swim keeping my head above water. My late mother taught me so and I like it. It does not give me pain. However, it is SUPPOSED to give you exactly the pain you describe.

Likewise, I love reading or using the laptop on my tummy. I feel great and do not feel pain. My new personal trainer was horrified. She said it is SUPPOSED to produce all sorts of neck and back pain. So maybe I am built abnormally .

Unless your signature is not to be taken literally, and, unless you are like me, swimming with your head above water is SUPPOSED to cause pain you are describing, in men and women alike.

[Katch70L]

Originally Posted by Happy Camper

I had terrible neck pain that started while on those meds and persisted for two years. If it makes you feel any better, I'm male and they told me I wasn't even in pain. Wouldn't even acknowledge it.

If it's an option, I always dump any doctor at the first hint of dismissal or downplaying of symptoms. I don't have a need or the time to deal with that ****.

My husband is going through this exact thing with a similar response from doctors. Did you get off Lithium altogether or change dosage? How did this resolve itself? Did it take 2 years for the pain to go away after you took action?

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. No medical doctor has had a clue. And I just discovered the link to the mess today after looking at the toxicity of lithium....I never suspected the connection.

[Katch70L]

My husband has this exact issue. He took lithium for 2 years before the symptoms showed up. He has gotten the same response from GPS, neurologists, chiropractors, etc.

How did you address this? Did you stop or reduce lithium? How long did it take the condition to clear once you took action. He has been suffering for almost 2 years now...any help you can provide is appreciated.