So far I'm only up to 450mg per day with Lithium, soon to be increased to 600mg.

Now I cannot tell if the diarrhea is being caused and/or enhanced (enhanced diarrhea, haha, sorry just sounded funny) by the Lithium.

This is because I have IBS which is always lurking but tends to flare up w/ stress and anxiety. And lately my anxiety and stress has definitely been up.

However, the diarrhea does seem a bit worse (more frequent) than it would normally be. For example this morning it hit me on the way to work and I seriously did not think I would make it in time. It was awful and when I got there and was in the bathroom for like 20 minutes.

I'm worn out and exhausted between this, depression, and trouble sleeping.

I know that it is very important to keep hydrated while on Lithium especially if you have diarrhea.

My question is.... for those of you out there who are on Lithium, or have taken it at one time.... was this a problem for you?

[HALLIEBETH87]

at first it was, but it went away. *hugs*

[Perna]

http://www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk/in...?question=1568

http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org.../full/65/5/919

[darkeyes]

When I had been on Lithium a few years ago, I had no negative side effects. I took Lithobid, so I do not know if that made the difference.
I switched to Lamictal, cause I do not need an anti=depressant while on Lamictal, where the time I was on Lithium, I also needed an AD, and the SSRI's were stopping to work, even at the doses recommened.
I found Lithobid to be excellent for what I needed it for way back then when my personal life was rocky.
Give your doc a call, and let him or her know about this and that you have IBS, maybe their is some alternative or dosage adjustment he or she can make.
Hope you feel better soon.