[rubidoux]

Doc just put me on a low dose of lithium (150mg, first time) for suspected mild bipolar. I think I had my first manic episode 4 years ago when my 25 year marriage was ending (as much as I dont want to be bipolar, not sure I woulda survived it without the mania). Since then Ive had milder and shorter manic periods.

My big issue tho is sleep. I've had a lot of trouble sleeping since before I even started grade school and it's been bad enough that I dropped out of high school because I just couldn't get up in the morning and Ive only been able to hold a normal job for a couple of years here and there. I have a law degree and used to be a lawyer but now I drive uber because I just can't even imagine a life where I have to be somewhere at a particular time. In the last six months its gotten much worse and I'm freaking out.

Anyway, doc thinks I've always been bipolar enough to mess up my sleep but maybe started coming out more because the breakup was pretty traumatic. So, lithium...

I took the first dose last night and I actually think it might have helped me fall asleep but I woke up after maybe half an hour. I had been vaping cannabis to get to sleep and get back to sleep (almost never seem to stay asleep for more than 90 min) but was going to try to see what happens without it in the hopes that the lithium would do the trick.. But I didn't even make it an hour into my sleep last night without it. Gah!

So I'm wondering what you guys think about continuing to vape (currently using indica thc and cbd cartridge) while on lithium. Otherwise I might end up sleeping for an hour or two a night, which I just can't even...

And also wondering how many days I should give it before Im feeling the full effect of the lithium.

[wildflowerchild25]

I’ve never smoked (nor vaped) marijuana but my bipolar sister in law who never sleeps seems to find it effective sometimes. I don’t know what other meds she’s on (except Thorazine) though.

[MistressStayc]

That is such a low dose, I don't see much issue with being on it and vaping weed. I wouldn't expect too much from that low a dose either. The effect on your symptoms like sleep issues will likely be mild.

[TheLifeFantastic]

Most of my medication now comes with a marijuana usage warning (Like the Alcohol one). I think all it would do is make you more drousy, but I think all of it would depend on what other medication you are taking. That could be factored in.

Eventually with any of my sleep issues I went strait to my Doctor and told them, "I have to sleep so please make it happen".

[rubidoux]

Thanks you guys. I think you're prob right that the only issue would be making me sleepy. But I do think the lithium might be helping with my sleep already.

I fell asleep relatively easy last night around 4:30 am with no weed. I almost never fall asleep that early and especially without help. Then had to be up at 7 to get my kids to school. Came home and used my vape because I had an appointment with a personal trainer in the afternoon and couldnt stand the idea of going if I wasnt sufficiently rested. Both times I stayed asleep till my alarm went off which is a minor miracle. I'm kinda hoping that's because of the lithium.

[cool09]

You have to get a lithium level to determine how much you have in your body. And the weed can cause anxiety and paranoia.

[rubidoux]

Originally Posted by cool09

You have to get a lithium level to determine how much you have in your body. And the weed can cause anxiety and paranoia.

I was wondering about this. My doc hasn't said anything about checking my levels. I wonder if that's because it's such a low dose.

Last night I woke up prob 3 times and vaped myself back to sleep. But I did feel like I was sleeping harder. But it's possible that was because of a hard workout yesterday.