[jessp]

Hi there guys,

I have been taking the same medication for nearly three years with great success. I am currently on lexapro, seroquel and lithium.

Unfortunately, a recent blood test has come back showing that my thyroid antibodies are through the roof. After some discussion with my doctor I have found this to be quite common in people taking lithium and particularly if there is a family history of thyroid problems.

My dilemma is now in selecting the best option for myself.

1) There is medication to treat the thyroid problem and I can continue to take lithium although it doesn't actually resolve the problem; or

2) I can consider changing mood stabilisers..

To date I have had an allergic reaction form lamotrogine and therefore am potentially looking at epilum or tegretol.

I have been stable for a long time now and am feeling scared about changing medications.. I know I will not be able to work during the time I am changing medications and am expecting to feel quite awful. Most of all, I am scared my depression might return or my mood might begin to swing.

I would appreciate any advice, I have already booked an appointment with general practitioner and endocrinologist but would also appreciate and supportive advice as well. I plan on using this forum as a support system while I potentially transitions through medications, particularly in moments where I might feel alone.

Warm regards,

Jess

[Moose72]

I have hypothyroidism and take lithium. I just take synthroid. My thyroid levels are monitored by my primary.

[Sad Mermaid]

Hi Jess,

The medication you need is called Synthroid, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone to replace what your body no longer produces. I have taken it for years. The only inconvenience in taking Synthroid is in that once you have taken it in the morning, first thing in the morning, you are not to eat anything for at least 30 minutes, including coffee with milk. Only tea without milk or coffee without milk is OK. What I do is get up, take Synthroid and rinse my mouth with Fluoride rinse called ACT. You are not supposed to eat or drink or have anything in the mouth for 30 minutes after using ACT, so I kill two birds at once. In the past I meant to use ACT at bedtime, but often found myself too tired by then. Now I can use it when I am at my most energetic.

I would not give up Lithium just because of that. If you develop other side effects, that will be another story, but hypothyroidism is such a common, easy-to-manage side effect that it does not warrant a switch in mood stabilizers. If Lithium helps you, and clearly it does, take it while you can.

[Sad Mermaid]

Originally Posted by jessp

To date I have had an allergic reaction form lamotrogine and therefore am potentially looking at epilum or tegretol.

If you have had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine, you are more likely to have an allergic reaction to tegretol - they are both anticonvulsants. I have had similar rash reactions to both Tegretol and Zonegran, which is another anticonvulsant.

[FruitLoops]

Originally Posted by jessp

Hi there guys,

I have been taking the same medication for nearly three years with great success. I am currently on lexapro, seroquel and lithium.

Unfortunately, a recent blood test has come back showing that my thyroid antibodies are through the roof. After some discussion with my doctor I have found this to be quite common in people taking lithium and particularly if there is a family history of thyroid problems.

My dilemma is now in selecting the best option for myself.

1) There is medication to treat the thyroid problem and I can continue to take lithium although it doesn't actually resolve the problem; or

2) I can consider changing mood stabilisers..

To date I have had an allergic reaction form lamotrogine and therefore am potentially looking at epilum or tegretol.

I have been stable for a long time now and am feeling scared about changing medications.. I know I will not be able to work during the time I am changing medications and am expecting to feel quite awful. Most of all, I am scared my depression might return or my mood might begin to swing.

I would appreciate any advice, I have already booked an appointment with general practitioner and endocrinologist but would also appreciate and supportive advice as well. I plan on using this forum as a support system while I potentially transitions through medications, particularly in moments where I might feel alone.

Warm regards,

Jess

Hi Jessp,

My doc has me taking Selenium. It's a natural mineral and it has kept my thyroid in check. There is no prescription required.

Good Luck,

FruitLoops

[jessp]

Hi guys,

Thank you for your responses it is much appreciated. The thought of going off the lithium and changing meds terrifies me.. I also was planning on returning to work but changing meds would post pone this for who knows how long. I will consider taking the lithium and taking the thyroid supplement too. My doctor is and supportive and is more than happy for me to make the final decision.

Also I'm loving the signatures you guys have at the end of your posts. Could any of you tell me how I can customise my own?

Jess

[ghtyui]

Jessp, I also have hypothyroid, even before I started taking Lithium. My doc has me on a T3 and T4 and I get my thyroid levels tested a couple times of year. Basically, its nothing to worry about. If you're on a good med combo, that's the important thing.

[jessp]

Hey guys,

Thank you for all of your advice. I will consider taking a medication for the thyroid and continue on the lithium. I agree that having the right medication combo is important. Who knows what changing meds could potentially do.

Jess

[TicTacGo]

Hey jessp,

I am glad you got such great advice from these people above my post.
I agree with the fact that if lithium works, and there is a potential that these alternatives (epilum or tegretol) may not work/have a bad effect, you should probably try the thyroid medication and continue with lithium.
I also understand what it is like to switch and change (or add) meds. I get extremely anxious about it.

I know what it is like to also want to stop certain medications, not because of more serious things like what you are experiencing, but because of other side effects that just get to me. In the end, if something works for what it was prescribed for, rather continue it with management of the side effects (if possible)