[*Laurie*]

Hi, I saw my pdoc this morning and he has prescribed a low dose of lithium for me. 450mg./day. I've been experiencing anxiety, tension, irritability, anger, and my throat feels very tight (from the anxiety). I know that in higher doses, lithium helps with mania. I'm wondering if anyone here has been on a lower-dose lithium and, if so, how was it? Thanks.

[TRNRMOM]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

Hi, I saw my pdoc this morning and he has prescribed a low dose of lithium for me. 450mg./day. I've been experiencing anxiety, tension, irritability, anger, and my throat feels very tight (from the anxiety). I know that in higher doses, lithium helps with mania. I'm wondering if anyone here has been on a lower-dose lithium and, if so, how was it? Thanks.

i'm a 71 yr. old female and was diagnosed as bp2 (hypomanic with no depression) more than 35 yrs. ago. i was always prescribed no more than 450mg. it worked; however, over long-term use of lithium it destroyed my thyroid, had to have parathyroids removed and about 2 yrs. ago began having kidney issues, all related to long-term use of lithium. i quit lithium but still take 1/2 klonopin daily for anxiety and seroquel for sleep. lithium was a good drug but way back when i don't think there was as much info as to what long-term damage it can cause as you will find out there now. do your homework and become informed. good luck.

[*Laurie*]

TRNRMOM, Thank you so much for your feedback.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I was on low-dose lithium for several years after having a couple of toxicities. It worked well for me with a blood level (that's the important thing, not the mg taken since different people get different levels from the same dose) of .4-.6. Usually .6 is the normal lower end of the therapeutic level. It worked well for me at that low level. Eventually I had a 3rd toxicity and stopped it. Never think you can't get toxic because you aren't taking much. But if you keep up with labs that should be fine. I miss lithium but just can't take it safely.

[*Laurie*]

Thank you, BtR.