[Greenfish77]

Do you feel "normal" and are able to function normally? Or has lithium only partially worked?

[*Laurie*]

Lithium seems to be helpful for me. It really does stabilize my moods and state of mind. It also seems to lessen depression.

[WildcatVet]

Not on lithium at the moment, but will be back on ASAP! The one and only *mood stabilizer* and the only med that kept me happy, healthy, and functional.

[Guiness187055]

Lithium is very effective for me it keeps me on an even keel.

I took lithium as a mood stabilizer and it did work. But it took all of about three months to slow down my thyroid function. Even my APs that I have been on for a decade didn't do as much damage. They slow my metabolism, yes and I have put on weight but I have lost it again.

[Jester's Rags]

Lithium has been a real help for me. I was on Depakote years ago for mood stabilization, but discontinued that and began taking Lithium and Lamictal. This is a good combination for me and has helped lessen the severity of my swings. I'ts not perfect, but...

[Jester's Rags]

Oh, and you do need to get regular blood work while taking Lithium. It's not a big deal, but is worth mentioning.

I took lithium for a while to "boost" the antidepressant I was taking for unipolar depression - it didn't work, but nothing has worked for the depression so far.

As for regular bloodwork - nah. Once your levels are stable you don't need to go often anymore. Like once a month for the first few months and even less after that.

[Jester's Rags]

I usually get levels done every 3 months now.

I was given a combo of Venlafaxine and Mirtazapine when I was put on Risperdal. When I was on Ket I had slightly low blood pressure and my heart was still strong needing less beats than average person. I was switched back to Ket but stayed on my combo of anti- dee's.
My friend said that Venlafaxine sent her heart rate up and coincidentally I had a faster heart beat that bordered on cause for concern when I had check ups (doctors knew it was med induced but ignored it) so I have stopped them both. Must admit I felt a shift in my mood, but I feel like the normal me. So I will not be taking anymore anti-depressants. I can handle silly fever dreams till my system gets rid of these.

[Seqoya]

Hello There,

I take Lithium and it does help. However it's not enough for me partly because I have more problems than just depression and mania.

I have Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type, (I had Bipolar 2 in the past) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, and OCD.

I take;

Lithium
Apriprizole (Abilify)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Fluxotine (Prozac)
Prazosin (High Blood Pressure med for Night Mares)

I recently started taking the generic for Seroquel. So when it get's to be at the right dose which will be a higher dose. It may replace the generic of the Abilify and I won't take the generic Abilify anymore.

Medication by itself is limited for many people especially individuals with very complicated diagnoses like mine. So I am also in counseling.

I have a Psychiatrist to prescribe my medication and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology as my therapist.

I only recently started seeing this particular counselor because the one I was seeing before, who was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, left the agency that I go to.

Oh and getting blood tests done while on Lithium and some other meds are very important. Don't let anyone tell you it's not a big deal.

I hope that this helps.