Question for CamW

Hi Cam,
It's me again, I forgot this question for my doc which I will ask him at my next visit. Question: If a person is at a point that they are no longer "manic" does the therapeutic dosage of lithium (1200 mg) have the potential of possibly making a person become depressed because it mellows one too much! I take 30mg of celexa besides the lithium but have become very lethargic and down, plus the weight gain from the depakote I was on before lithium is depressing me too I had my weight down to actually being called thin a year ago and then once under the care of my past psychiatrist and being put on depakote ruined everything, I never really lost the "blues" but gained the weight which robbed me of some self-esteem. The doc doesn't have any advice about this, just advised me to continue the celexa with the lithium till spring cause that would be a better time for me to get off the celexa my moods often change with the seasons, early spring I get energized but early summer I start going back into a funk no matter how I try to resist "funks" it doesn't always work like the Borg says on Star Trek Next Generation, "Resistance is futile!", just a little warped humor on my part I wonder if being my degree of BP vs. the level of my brother is less, he has more of violent manic episodes where my doc says I am a milder case, would mean a maintenace dose (900mg) of lithium would be adequate? It was I that asked the doc to try 1200 mg to see what it would do for me back in Oct. when I was wound, becoming sleepless, etc. Maybe I really do not require 1200 mg.? Do you know if even blood levels are okay can a person still have too much in them for their level of BP?
Thanks for you help
"darkeyes"

Darkeyes - I see lithium as blocking the extent to which the body is able to become manic, while at the same not allowing one to drop too low .... within reason. In other words, lithium cuts off the highes and the lows, thus stabilizing mood.

This concept must also be tempered by the fact that break-through mania &/or depression can happen no matter how well one's mania/depression controlled by medication. It can just happen.

Blood levels. in themselves, are only indicators. They are a range (eg. 0.8 - 1.2 ; or something like that) that provide prophylaxis against another episode in most people. Some people do respond to blood levels of lithiun lower than 0.8, but most people will show signs of toxicity at levels over 1.2 (sometimes toxicity is seen at lower levels, as well).

You and your doc must tinker with your dose over the next couple of months to find what "feels right" for you.

Good luck! - Cam

<font color=orange>"Sometimes you may be shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right"
- Robert Hunter</font color=orange>

Thanks, I am sorry I keep bothering you with my questions I think I'll stop and give you a break. I hope you are well psychologically and physically. Take care
Stay well,
"darkeyes"

Darkeyes - You are no bother at all. I am just not thinking as swiftly as I can, these past few weeks. A lot has to do with not having a job. Actually, it's not so much not having a job, as it is not being called back after an interview, or even not being called to 2 interviews. I get this egotistic thinking happening; like - "Do you realize who you just turned down and what you are losing by not hiring me?

Guess I gotta stop the "Woe is me!" crap, phone some of these people and say, "Excuse me, but why was I not the right person for your organization? I believed that I was a personification of the idealized automaton, as was specified in your corporate manifesto. .... Think out of the box? .... Not me!"

I guess sarcasm isn't the best way to influence people. Guess I gotta get my foot in the door and baffle 'em with B.S. The truth ain't workin'.

I will be quiet now, and go check the job market. It really is a kick in the head to go from telling psychiatrists what to do, to having to worry about how much pop we need to sell, or why Mrs.Jones is now using the Extra Value Pharmacy down the street. I just gotta keep telling myself that this is only for a couple of years; until the court case is over. Then I can go back to the MH Clinic with a clear head, full of fresh ideas, and show them just how much they missed me.

Take care Dar, I have to go beat up my ego some more.

My Best - Cam

<font color=orange>"Sometimes you may be shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right"
- Robert Hunter</font color=orange>

Hey Cam,
Don't beat up your ego, everyone needs one! Not having much of one has probably kept me from furthering myself, but I am slowly moving foward Ego is a wonderful thing!! The little that I know of you and like, makes me agree with you, yes those companies do not realize what they are losing out on, you appear to be devoted to your profession and today I think that is what's lacking in many fields. Hang in there it will all come together I am wishing you lots of luck, take care.
"darkeyes"