Lithium caused hyperthyroidism

Hi I hope someone can help me!!! i have been on lithium carbonate for 10 years...very successful recovery from rapid cycle bipolar II using it. last month I started showing signs of panic and possible bipolar symptoms. Yesterday my doctor has informed me that I have T3 hyperthyroidism and 've to attend a consultant for further tests. Ive been started on beta blockers and thyroxine reducing carbimazole. I feel awful. Constant severe tremour, panicy all the time. Loss of memory and concentration.
I am now terrified that my lithium is going to be discontinued by the endocrinologist. Hyperthyroidism is rare in lithium patients and the small amount of info that I got on the web stated that lithium needs dicontinued in these cases. I had to stay on lithium in pregnancy because i have such a severe response to stopping lithium...within 2 weeks I relapse.
Does anyone know anything about this subject who can help advise? Thank you!

I used to take synthroid at the same time I took Eskolith... years ago. It was prescribed by my T and I was tested for my thyroid regularly along with my Eskolith level (quarterly.)

That is indeed rare, and may not be secondary to the lithium. Lithium will cause hypothyroidism, and that is well known and easily treatable. You may have thyroid tumor, thyroiditis or many other conditions that are not caused by the lithium. Get as mush specialist help as you can before they make the decision to discontinue the med or keep it.

I plan to fight them if they do try to stop it...i would rather they remove the thyroid instead in that case! Thyroid tumour? I don't have obvious lumps or goiter..yet. My eyes hurt though and I wondered if that couldd indicate graves disease.

Yes, but any form of disease that causes hyperthyroid can cause bulging eyes with pain.

I see! I don't know alot about it. i'm a midwife and I usually have a good understanding of medicine...this was a big shock. Very scary. Thanks for your help though!

No problem...

slainte

I've been taking 100 mcg of synthroid (generic) for some time now. I ran out, and haven't had it since Friday. It should arrive by mail order pharmacy in the next couple of days--by the end of the week at worst. I also take the equivalent of 450 mg lithium. Is that likely to exacerbate whatever I experience from being off my thyroid meds for a week or so? And on a related note, any problem with taking 100 mcg again when it arrives versus tapering it up. I forget whether that's necessary, since I've been on it so long.

Thanks,

gg

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psisci said:
No problem...

slainte

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Excellent! slainte

I share your dependence on lithium Murren and your post is a real trigger for me. I fear that as I age something will prevent me from taking this drug. My doctor tries to reassure me that there are other meds that will keep my BP I in check if this should occur. This is little solace for someone successfully managed on lithium for 26 years now.

I hope an acceptable solution is found for you soon.

Thanks. i live in a place where lithium in pregnancy was not allowed. I was first women in area to voluntarily remain on it..I had to fight to do this. I would rather have the choice to choose to stay on lithium at any cost..even get a thyroidectomy. lithium is as essential to me as my heart is for living a normal life.

I will update here when I know more! Thanks all!

Mine came in the mail today, so I'm good. Hope things turn out well for you, Murren.

gg

I'm glad GG, it can be very unstabilising when we have to worry about all these meds and what they can do to us!
I'm feeling a bit less anxious now since starting the antithyroxine drugs so hopefully it's all improvement from here!
Good luck to you!