[stopchewinggum]

My insurance is crap, and the other bipolar meds are both to expensive and not very effective. So I'm starting lithium. Anyone else on lithium know how long it takes for them to get to the point where you don't have to day a blood test frequently, such as every other week? I'm planning on staying away from home for a month or so, and I am just curious how much of a hassle this is going to be.

[USMCBIPOLAR7]

I think once it’s in the therapeutic level it only has to be tested every 3 - six months . They only check mine every 6 months or so. I’ve been on it for 30 years now.

Every other week is usually only for a couple months, depending on the psychiatrist. Blood tests are still frequent, though. I forget the frequency, but even after 5 years I was still getting several per year. The phlebotomist knew me well. It's also important for thyroid and kidney function to be tested some of the times.

I have many fewer blood levels taken for Tegretol. Same for Depakote.

I think it's an atrocity that people have to pick meds solely based on price. For shame if insurance coverage is that limited and inadequate. People living in the US may find this atrocity more common in the somewhat near future. Write your congressman/woman, if in the US.

[MoodyMountain]

last time I changed my lithium I only got tested twice, at 10 days and 1 month. I get along decently with Lithium. I get mostly body acne,a little weight gain, and occasional diarrhea. That's better than depakote, which gave me more weight gain, more diarrhea, thinning hair, tiredness/low energy, and it doesn't work half as well. My main gripe about lithium is that I can't take anymore and it doesn't stop all of the mood swings, just most.
I have to take other stuff because of that.

[Pookyl]

It depends on other things in your medical history.
I’m in another country and with a history of kidney disease so I’ve had monthly blood tests since I started Lithium 3.5 yrs ago.

[Scooter9]

I was worried it was going to be a hassle too.

After the initial blood tests, which were frequent, my doctor just checks the level when she changes my dose.

[*Laurie*]

Pffft. Whenever I've taken lithium the doctor tested my blood every 6 months - if that. Never had weekly or bi-weekly testing, at all.

[stopchewinggum]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Every other week is usually only for a couple months, depending on the psychiatrist. Blood tests are still frequent, though. I forget the frequency, but even after 5 years I was still getting several per year. The phlebotomist knew me well. It's also important for thyroid and kidney function to be tested some of the times.

I have many fewer blood levels taken for Tegretol. Same for Depakote.

I think it's an atrocity that people have to pick meds solely based on price. For shame if insurance coverage is that limited and inadequate. People living in the US may find this atrocity more common in the somewhat near future. Write your congressman/woman, if in the US.

Oh dear, I'm already on thyroid meds.

[~Christina]

Years ago when I took lithium I had initial blood work , 2 week Check then 4 week then every 6 months.

Wasn’t a big deal at all

[pirilin]

It gave me the shakes permanently so far. I stopped less than a year ago.
Great med for depression thought. Got me out of "the big one".
I had, an standing order to be tested when I wanted it to.

[12AM]

It was great in reducing my depression, but after two months more or less, I got Lithium toxicity