[iaem85]

Hi,

I've been taking Lithium for almost 3 months now. The levels in my blood are low.

However for 2 months my period has been irregular, which is very unusual.
Also for a week I have been having akathisia. It started just in the evening on both legs, and now it kind lingers the whole day and it's only on my right leg. Sometimes I feel the restlessness going to my upper body as well.

I have been exercising often these last months, and even that does not bring any relief to the akathisia.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Either with the akathisia or period? Could it be related to lithium?

Thanks!

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[kiwi33]

Hi iaem85

As far as I can see from a PubMed search there is no evidence that lithium can cause akathisia and irregular periods.

I see that you wrote "levels in my blood are low". The therapeutic window for lithium is quite narrow. That means that too little will not help but too much can have adverse effects - as a guide serum levels in the range 0.8-1.1 mmol/L are regarded as being in the therapeutic window.

This is something that that you could discuss with your doctor - it might be necessary to increase your dose to keep it in the therapeutic window.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Have you had your thyroid level checked lately? I have hypothyroidism from taking lithium and low TSH levels can cause you to have irregular periods.