Tempted to stop taking my Lithium

I'm losing patience here, I was already very self-conscience about my skin to the point where I would cancel plans and try to conceal it with bandages. A body dysmorphic disorder. Well Lithium has really affected my self-confidence and makes me want to hide inside all day because I keep getting cysts on my face. At 900mg the acne started after a few months on it, but it eventually went away. But they had to increase it to 1200mg and boom it's back. I know it might go away eventually but I can't wait any longer. I have to take a bunch of NAC to make sure I don't pick at it until my face is a bleeding mess.

I see my pdoc like in 2 weeks since I just graduated from IOP, and I really think I need a med adjustment. I know Lithium is the gold standard and I want it to work out for me, but I feel so ugly. I'll try to keep taking my meds but it's ****ing hard to just wait this out

Two weeks isn’t very long. Hang in there if you can or call the pdoc if you can’t wait.

I can’t tell if you mean to stop the lithium now or taper back to your old dose.

Lithium is notorious for relapse episode worse than before taking it, so take care and don’t do anything rash.

Thanks, appointment is on the 14th so I think I'll try to hang in there. I've heard the same how Lithium might not work the second time or at least not as well as the first time. Makes we wish I tried other meds first that I haven't tried like Tegretol or Trileptal, or a longer trial of Lamictal or Depakote. If I get off Lithium to try these, it might be the last time I can ever use Lithium ever again.


It's like this annoying tradeoff of either sacrificing the mind and mood by rejecting meds and the neuroprotection they provide for the brain, or sacrificing the body due to the side effects of the meds. And finding the ones that don't debilitate you too much can take years of trial and error. I just can't wait any longer

Hang in there the two weeks. It's never a good idea to adjust medication on your own.

Ah, good to hear you are aware...

I tried Lamactil first based on dx of BP type 2 but the headache was too much. Multiple tries no luck after that.

Once I got the dx of BP 2, I decided on lithium based on a previous pdoc saying it is the gold standard. Also, I have to admit I have a problem with suicidal thinking and that is how my mom ended it all, and lithium is supposed to be effective against suicide risk.

It is a good drug. If it ever becomes a problem I want to at least try to stay on it at a low dose.

See a dermatologist they can prescribe a cream that will clear it up and you can just continue it.

Cystic ache is horrible, I’m glad I went right away when I was on lithium.

Sorry you are going through it

Hang in there. I hope these next couple of weeks go quickly and your doc can find a way to help

Hang in there. I remember when I was taking Ambilify. One day my whole body was shaking. It just got worst. This started happening in a restaurant, and some thought it was like a person the the advanced stages of Parkinson’s. It was terrible. Absolutely terrible. But I still waited several days until my appointment with my pdoc. My pdoc recognized it as Ambilify, despite it having taken months to present itself. I thought it was the new medication that he had placed me on earlier.

So what I am getting at here is I think you should try to wait for the appointment with your pdoc. Christina mentioned here that the dermatologist may have a cream to put on your face to help. But for now, see if the pharmacist has something similar but over the counter. However, if you find yourself not able to do deal with this any longer, then do what you think is best.

Let me first say this because I do not know your situation. “IF” you have decent insurance and can afford to go to a dermatologist then yes go. September of this year will make 7 years I’ve been on Lithium. I never had skin problems. I still stay thirsty all the time etc..

As one person mentioned coming off Lithium is no walk at the park. Four years ago I was upset about all the weight it made me gain. I had my then pdoc taper me off and put me on something else. It was a complete fail. Within three weeks I had to be admitted IP for the first time ever. I was IP for two weeks.

Thanks everyone, coincidentally it's starting to clear up so I hope my body is getting more used to it. If it comes back though I will seriously consider the dermatologist suggestion.


Lithium was the first drug to make me feel normal and myself again, I can't forget that. Just gotta wait 9 more days to see my pdoc, hopefully we can work something out