[MrAbbott]

Hi there,

I just checked my last mania report and the blood test around those dates and, apparently, I had a crisis with all lithium levels in range. My doc swears by lithium, but do you think I should try other options (what options are there?) like valproic acid?

Current blood tests show I suffer from hypotiroidism... I'm starting to hate lithium and... it appears as it doesn't do its job well.

Any ideas you wanna share welcome. Have a good day.

[Nammu]

Lithium is the gold standard but that said it’s not perfect for everyone. If you had a breakthrough episode yes, I’d try something else maybe with lithium, maybe a whole new ball game of an AP with depakote or and lamictal. Maybe you could try the gene test to see what meds might help best. I just caution you to do so with your pdoc.

[MuddyBoots]

Sounds like lithium just isn't the med for you (unless you've noticed way less crises since starting the lithium). There are TONS of other meds out there to try (antipsychotics/anticonvulsants), work with your pdoc on finding the right med or meds for you.

[Scooter9]

I was on lithium for 9 months and it did nothing for me besides giving me side effects even though my levels were good.

I was taking it for depression though. I didn't feel any better on it.

Work with your pdoc on options like antipsychotics, mood stabilizers etc

[Soupe du jour]

I don't think that any given medication guarantees permanent stability, at least not at any given dose all of the time. Breakthrough episodes can happen. Period. Occasional medication tweaks are just the name of the game for most of us. I'm not saying that Lithium is the best medication for you, at least not at your current dose. However, clearly that dose couldn't withstand the strength of your recent episode. Something does need tweaking and/or some other change needs to be made. The latter could be life situation, improvement in use of coping skill use, etc.

Hypothyroidism is a common side effect from Lithium, especially in people with family dispositions, like mine. I developed it from Lithium and still have it years after going off that med. I take Synthroid (levothyroxine) and it controls it perfectly. There are far worse side effects. Far worse!

[downandlonely]

Some bipolar people I know are on Vraylar and like it. But I do hear it's very expensive. It is worth a discussion with your doctor.

[MrAbbott]

Hi all, thanks for your answers. I never received any genetic test to choose my mood stabilizer... it's scary how any option can give weird side effects and the importance of the thyroid gland...

I'll see my doc at the end of this month. The other option he's always mentioned is valproic acid.

Take care guys. Thnx.

[Fuzzybear]

Wishing you luck with the meds. How frequently do you consult with this doctor? It sounds like maybe not that frequently, which sounds sub optimal to me. Hope things are ''ok'' with you!

[MrAbbott]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Wishing you luck with the meds. How frequently do you consult with this doctor? It sounds like maybe not that frequently, which sounds sub optimal to me. Hope things are ''ok'' with you!

Hi Fuzzy,

I see him once a month as a private psychiatrist. Tomorrow is the day then. He's actually nice but prefers the sound of his voice to any feedback. Anybody familiar with this kind of doctor behaviour?


I'll be away from my PC again after tomorrow for a week or so. Kind regards. Thank you Fuzzy for your concern, very kind of you.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by MrAbbott

.... prefers the sound of his voice to any feedback. Anybody familiar with this kind of doctor behaviour?
...

Yes. Very.

[Fuzzybear]

I’m very familiar with that too.