Hi everyone, hope you are ok.
Darkeyes if you read this I hope you are feeling a little better than when we spoke last time, you seemed really down.

Well it has been just over a week since I have been taking Lithium and I have been really rapid cycling all week- literally high as a kite one moment, very low the next.Is this normal, surely not? I have had two really violent outbursts and the remainder of the time I have felt really depressed much more than normal. I have also had my first period in about three months, could this be connected to taking Lithium or just a coincidence.
Anybody any ideas???

[darkeyes]

Wow Bradlou have you spoke to your doctor about this? As far as lithium disrupting your period I would say no. I found depakote to me an interference with menstrual cycling. I am sorry you are having a rough go at this, do you think the swings can also have to do with hormonal imbalance possibilities? If so maybe besides the lithium you may need to have something in addition, maybe your dose needs to come up? So far I am okay, slowly getting out of the doldrums, I wish I had the reaction to lithium ( a little bit) like you I can use some "oomph", I feel like I am "morphing" into a snail. (ha!ha!) I am sorry I was just joking around. All joking aside call your doctor and tell him/her what exactly is going on, I am no expert but it sounds odd that lithium would set you spining, I remember my brother would get manic when he 1) cut down on his pills, himself or 2) Mixed "drinking" while taking lithium. Otherwise he usually was fine, without lithium he was usually HORRIBLE! For myself I find while being on it that I am less hyper letting things roll off my back instead of getting anxed over things, I also notice that I have become more patient with people than I use to be. Oh well I won't keep you, but PLEASE get in touch with your doctor, okay?
Take care and let us know how things work out.
"darkeyes"

[bptoo]

Hi Bradlou,

I have a friend who had a very similar reaction to Lith, rapid cycling, violent outburts, etc. Her Doc didn't keep her on it long. Have you talked to your doc to let him/her know what's going on? If not, sounds like it would be a real good idea. I took Lith for awhile, it didn't really have any effect on me either way. I take Zyprexa and Topamax now and it's been a godsend. Let us know what happens.

bptoo