Lithium questions

Gargoylemaiden · 05-11-2009, 05:47 PM

I am just starting to take lithium and would love to hear advice and experiences people have had. I have taken antidepressants for years (I'm 27) but this is a new drug to me. Thanks!

LetMeSlipAway · 05-11-2009, 08:19 PM

Im not on lithium but another medication belonging the moodstablisers group called tegretol! For me out off all the medication I'm currently taking my mood stabliser is the most important to me... I'm on it to stablise my mood and impulsitivity! If I dont take it, I get sick physically as well as mentally, my face goes numb and everything seems out of place in a way I cant describe. I'm on 600mg's which is quite a high dosage! When I first started it I didnt have any side effects whatsoever! So for me its my life saver!

someonewithapassion · 07-11-2009, 10:36 PM

I was on Lithium for about a year and a half. It worked wonders for me, but it was kinda scary. Fair warning: Do NOT take ibuprofin! It will **** your levels up and can send you into a complete manic meltdown. It ended me up in the hospital for 4 weeks, trying to get my levels straight again.I don't take it anymore cause they found some new antipsychotics for me to take. It is a wonderful drug and works so well, but just make sure you get your bloodwork done when your Dr prescribes it

Mikey Moo · 07-11-2009, 11:51 PM

What dosage of lithium are you on? I used to be a support worker and administer lithium to 1 or 2 service users I used to look after. If your doctor hasn't told you already, you need to go back for bloods every so often to check your levels, as crystals can form in your kidney. Don't worry if you develop tremors or twitching, it is common for anyone who takes lithium.

Merc · 08-11-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superpsychogirl

I was on Lithium for about a year and a half. It worked wonders for me, but it was kinda scary. Fair warning: Do NOT take ibuprofin! It will **** your levels up and can send you into a complete manic meltdown. It ended me up in the hospital for 4 weeks, trying to get my levels straight again.I don't take it anymore cause they found some new antipsychotics for me to take. It is a wonderful drug and works so well, but just make sure you get your bloodwork done when your Dr prescribes it

^^ That's odd, NOT doubting you, obviously. But i have been on it for about 4 years now...never a side effect, on it's own, or with acetaminophen (tylenol) OR ibruprofen.
I don't recall the leaflet mentioning it either (NOT to say it can't happen).
I'd def. speak with your doc or pharmacist tho.
For me, it was/is the best MS I've ever tried and that was a few...it eases everythign so very much. It doesn't take everthing away...but it dials it down to a VERY tolerable level.

discovery_journey · 09-11-2009, 07:43 AM

I've been on lithium now for a couple of years. It works ok.
I take 1g
i get my lithium level checked every 3 months
watch your alcohol intake while you are taking this med.... you need to make sure you keep hydrated as lithium is a salt

one lie at a time · 10-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romperfry

But i have been on it for about 4 years now...never a side effect, on it's own, or with acetaminophen (tylenol) OR ibruprofen.

In the United States at least, within the information that comes with the bottle of lithium it instructs you not to take ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is fine, but ibuprofen changes the levels in your blood. As does caffeine, and possibly some other things.

But anyway, I was on it for 2 years. 1200 mgs, it worked well for me. Made me very thirsty (and as a result, I had to pee a lot) and I had a minor tremor in my hands, but that's about it - nothing major.

Good luck with it!