[Exoskeleton]

I am feeling significant benefit from this medication. However, it comes with some unpleasant side effects. I've only been taking Lithium for about 5 weeks so far and I'm still at a low dose (300 mg).

One of the side effects I have is dryness in my mouth, my throat and my eyes. I have a permanent scratchy throat and even a bit of a cough. I drink a lot of water but can't seem to relieve the dry throat.

I'm wondering if this is likely to go away as my body adjusts? Does anyone else have this side effect from Lithium? Thanks!

[insideoutsider]

My side effects didn't seem to get worse through out the increases.

It might subside, it might not - keep an eye on it and I'm glad it's serving it's purpose otherwise

[Exoskeleton]

Originally Posted by insideoutsider

My side effects didn't seem to get worse through out the increases.

It might subside, it might not - keep an eye on it and I'm glad it's serving it's purpose otherwise

Thank you!

[Soupe du jour]

I experienced many side effects from Lithium, but not quite the ones you mentioned. I did have a change in my skin and finger nails, though. I also used to read that some get a slight metalic taste in their mouths.

I was always on way more than 300 mg, even from the very start. The first time I was put on it I was put straight on 1,200 mg. The second straight on 900 mg. I almost always had polyuria/polysipsia (extreme thirst and very frequent urination. Because of this, I drank a very large amount of water. Drinking a good amount is recommended, anyway. Dehydration can lead to Lithium toxicity, especially on higher doses, unlike yours. Perhaps more water may help your throat? And/or a lozenge of some sort?

[Exoskeleton]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

I experienced many side effects from Lithium, but not quite the ones you mentioned. I did have a change in my skin and finger nails, though. I also used to read that some get a slight metalic taste in their mouths.

I was always on way more than 300 mg, even from the very start. The first time I was put on it I was put straight on 1,200 mg. The second straight on 900 mg. I almost always had polyuria/polysipsia (extreme thirst and very frequent urination. Because of this, I drank a very large amount of water. Drinking a good amount is recommended, anyway. Dehydration can lead to Lithium toxicity, especially on higher doses, unlike yours. Perhaps more water may help your throat? And/or a lozenge of some sort?

Thank you! Yes, I was thinking of a lozenge or maybe even chewing gum since apparently that can stimulate saliva production.

That's quite something that you were immediately started on such a high dose. Wow. I started at 150 mg and even that caused me a lot of nausea and GI problems. Luckily that aspect has improved quite a bit, even now I'm at 300 mg.

It sounds like you no longer take Lithium. Did it help you at all? Did you stop because of side effects? Thanks for your feedback!

[insideoutsider]

Hey Exoskeleton.. just wondering, how many stabilizers have you tried? I wonder if you are prone to such side effects or if lithium is a first try? You don't need to explain if you don't feel the need to just a question that might help you. The acuteness of your episode may need it, I'm not sure what the case is.

My first destructive mania the ward immediately put me on it. It worked well for mania for me, very well, too well in my opinion - Eventually I couldn't stand the lethargy. Lithium isn't known to be easy on the body is why I ask.

[Exoskeleton]

Originally Posted by insideoutsider

Hey Exoskeleton.. just wondering, how many stabilizers have you tried? I wonder if you are prone to such side effects or if lithium is a first try? You don't need to explain if you don't feel the need to just a question that might help you. The acuteness of your episode may need it, I'm not sure what the case is.

My first destructive mania the ward immediately put me on it. It worked well for mania for me, very well, too well in my opinion - Eventually I couldn't stand the lethargy. Lithium isn't known to be easy on the body is why I ask.

Hi there,

Lithium is the first mood stabilizer I've tried. Bipolar is not my primary diagnosis. And I have Bipolar 2 not Bipolar 1. Mostly I have trouble with Major Depressive Disorder and paralyzing anxiety issues/CPTSD.

I've been on anti-depressants (SSRI's and SNRI's) for the past 25 + years and they have never sent me into full blown mania, hence Bipolar wasn't even a possible diagnosis for me for a long time. But it makes sense that I have Bipolar 2 and I have a number of classic Bipolar 2 symptoms. Anti-depressants have never helped me very much. Since my depression has recently been really severe, my psychiatrist suggested Lithium as an add-on to my current SSRI. He told me that Lithium can be a good augmentation drug for some people with treatment resistant depression and it can help with SI. So that's how we got to Lithium.

I have noticed that Lithium has improved my depression and lifted by mood. Not by much, but enough that I notice the improvement. I don't feel more stable on it though and for sure still have mood swings and fits of anger. But I'm on a really low dose (just 300 mg per day). So I'd like to increase the dose but these side effects are a bummer! I hope they will resolve!

Thanks for asking!

[insideoutsider]

Understood - I am hopeful for you and glad it's working as an augmentation

[Exoskeleton]

Originally Posted by insideoutsider

Understood - I am hopeful for you and glad it's working as an augmentation

Thank you!!