[sobergirl]

What has your experience been on lithium? Was it helpful in the treatment of major depression, and how much weight did you gain? Thanks

[benzenering]

I'm Bipolar 2. No weight gain, but I track how much I eat religiously. Taken to eliminate suicidal thoughts, works for me! Suffer from a hand tremor from it, though

[Jdog123]

No weight gain here either (been on it for 2 months). In part, I think it's because I drink soooo much water now, which is really healthy. I read that part of Lithium weight gain is if people choose to drink sugary beverages, so when you are thirsty definitely go for water (caffeine isn't great either, it adds to the urge incontinence that some people suffer). Indeed, the extreme thirst (and subsequent need to urinate much more often) has been the worst/only side effect. It has helped a lot in the treatment of my depression (bipolar II).

[IndieVisible]

I was on lithium about 18 years ago when I was misdiagnosed with bipolar. Obviously it did nothing for me. I did see some weight gain though.

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by Jdog123

No weight gain here either (been on it for 2 months). In part, I think it's because I drink soooo much water now, which is really healthy. I read that part of Lithium weight gain is if people choose to drink sugary beverages, so when you are thirsty definitely go for water (caffeine isn't great either, it adds to the urge incontinence that some people suffer). Indeed, the extreme thirst (and subsequent need to urinate much more often) has been the worst/only side effect. It has helped a lot in the treatment of my depression (bipolar II).

weight gain if any, tends to be around 6months into treatment , it don't just pile weight on from day 1, you may loose some till your body settles in to the med.

[Jdog123]

Originally Posted by sewerrats

weight gain if any, tends to be around 6months into treatment , it don't just pile weight on from day 1, you may loose some till your body settles in to the med.

I'm not so sure about that. I've read a number of articles in medical journals about Lithium and spoken with two psychiatrists about side effects (in addition to my being a doctor, though not a psychiatrist). The premise of gaining weight only 6 months in for a med with a very short half-life isn't viable.

[sewerrats]

I have taken lithium short time about 8 weeks , didn't notice anything no side effect no help , so I was taken off. mind the shrink was a tosser I think he did his intern at Mcdonalds A guy 3 doors away from me is on lithium about 6 months now he has put weight on but could be his anti phycotic med, and the fact he still drinks 2 bottle of wine most nights.

[Jdog123]

Originally Posted by sewerrats

I have taken lithium short time about 8 weeks , didn't notice anything no side effect no help , so I was taken off. mind the shrink was a tosser I think he did his intern at Mcdonalds A guy 3 doors away from me is on lithium about 6 months now he has put weight on but could be his anti phycotic med, and the fact he still drinks 2 bottle of wine most nights.

Thanks for clarifying where you got your information from!

[sobergirl]

Thanks for all the information everyone. The Pristiq I started two weeks ago is, I think, making me worse. I may have to try the Lithium despite any possible weight gain. Really frightened because I have an eating disorder. Mental illness is the worst.

[Jdog123]

Originally Posted by sobergirl

Thanks for all the information everyone. The Pristiq I started two weeks ago is, I think, making me worse. I may have to try the Lithium despite any possible weight gain. Really frightened because I have an eating disorder. Mental illness is the worst.

I'm with you on the mental illness being the worst... But I can tell you that despite my great trepidation of weight gain (I gained 75 pounds in 10 months on Depakote, for ex), I've been very pleasantly surprised vis-a-vis Lithium. Make sure to just drink water and not sugary beverages (nor caffeinated ones) when you get thirsty and it can actually help you lose a little bit of weight. Another tip, take more in the morning and less at night bc then you'll get up less at night. Before I inverted, on a higher dosage at night I woke up as many as five times per night! Now I'm down to twice a night (and I take 1500 mg/day). Good luck!

[sobergirl]

Well I start Lithium tomorrow. Very nervous, but I have been so suicidal lately that I have to give it a try. Hope everyone is hanging in there.

[Hope-Full]

How's it going? I ask cause I just started lithium myself, and my concerns echo yours - weight gain as the primary. Any luck?