Here we go... lithium

Sunflower123 · Nov 15, 2017, 01:24 AM

I hope the transition goes smoothly and that lithium works really well for you.

FallDuskTrain · Nov 15, 2017, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all74

So, Latuda failed (side effects) and the genetic testing that I did said that pretty much every other AAP would be the same (at least for the ones currently available). So my pdoc is starting me on lithium. Why does this feel like a bigger deal than taking an AAP? I know it's been around longer than dirt but I'm feeling a bit like "oh, this is bad enough now that you've got to take lithium."

Sorry to sound like a pity party... that's not what I'm looking to do. I'm just feeling pretty alone right now. I've never known anyone else who's taken this. I've only ever heard of people taking this after being an inpatient. And my wife is no help. Her line is all about how she "takes good care of herself and her mental health" with the implication that I wouldn't need meds if I went to yoga every day.

I don't know. I guess I'll see how this round goes. Thanks for reading.

I am sorry that your wife has not been supportive. Have you spoken to her about it?
I hope lithium works for you. I have not used it.

Woolly Bugger · Nov 15, 2017, 02:37 AM

The only downside is the quarterly blood test. Hate those needles.

Psychend098 · Nov 16, 2017, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all74

So, Latuda failed (side effects) and the genetic testing that I did said that pretty much every other AAP would be the same (at least for the ones currently available). So my pdoc is starting me on lithium. Why does this feel like a bigger deal than taking an AAP? I know it's been around longer than dirt but I'm feeling a bit like "oh, this is bad enough now that you've got to take lithium."

Sorry to sound like a pity party... that's not what I'm looking to do. I'm just feeling pretty alone right now. I've never known anyone else who's taken this. I've only ever heard of people taking this after being an inpatient. And my wife is no help. Her line is all about how she "takes good care of herself and her mental health" with the implication that I wouldn't need meds if I went to yoga every day.

I don't know. I guess I'll see how this round goes. Thanks for reading.

Hi
Don't feel bad, I've been in lithium for over a year which great results. I wish you the best

franklds01 · Nov 16, 2017, 01:15 PM

I honestly miss being on Lithium. There were definitely a few unsavory side effects, but it was the best I've ever had a medication work! Right now I'm working on getting back onto medications (had ECT in 2015 and its effects are wearing off) and I have such a busy like that caffeine is a requirement for me so Lithium won't work for me. Now I'm stuck on Trileptal instead which is not doing jack for me.

tecomsin · Nov 16, 2017, 04:06 PM

Lithium was another medication that didn't work for me. I was on it for several years and had a manic episode and was consistently delusional for a significant period of time. I wasn't able to ever get to a 'therapeutic level' because of tremors and poor kidney function. I think it may have also been the reason i got nodules on my thyroid. It didn't help with depression. On the other hand I was smoking cannabis during the whole day at the time...

For some people lithium is like a miracle drug. I hope it helps you.

richeyd80 · Nov 16, 2017, 04:17 PM

I've been on lithium for about 5 or 6 years. It was a rough start due to some hand tremors but those went away in about 2 weeks. I started at 600mg and now I am at 1800mg, with a level check at the end of the month. Take with food and with a big glass of water. When i stay on it it helps equal me out somewhat. Best of luck!

glennk · Nov 21, 2017, 05:17 AM

BUMP...any updates?

251turnaround · Nov 21, 2017, 09:06 AM

I've been on it for the better part of two years and I'm still scared of it. I didn't think I had it bad enough that I'd need it, but here I am. While I still get breakthrough episodes, they aren't nearly as severe or as long lasting as before, and the SI has nearly vanished entirely now. The downside of this drug is the possible thyroid/kidney damage long-term which has me very concerned.

Honestly, I want to try to get off of it if I can. I don't think my episodes were really that bad or frequent enough to warrant taking it.

all74 · Nov 21, 2017, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennk

BUMP...any updates?

Sorry. I'm up to 450 with no side effects so far. Once I get to 600 (next week) my pdoc will order bloodwork.

I'm actually feeling pretty optimistic about this one

Of course I'm still worried about the kidney and thyroid stuff, but I know that regular monitoring will help with that. It's been good to hear that lithium has helped other people.

glennk · Nov 22, 2017, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all74

Sorry. I'm up to 450 with no side effects so far. Once I get to 600 (next week) my pdoc will order bloodwork.

I'm actually feeling pretty optimistic about this one

Of course I'm still worried about the kidney and thyroid stuff, but I know that regular monitoring will help with that. It's been good to hear that lithium has helped other people.

I've had no kidney problems, but my thyroid is a bit angry. This is after 15 years of lithium use. I don't think you'll have any issues, but please keep to your monthly blood tests. If you're using Lithium as an adjunct, 900mg sounds like a good spot.

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Here we go... lithium

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