Lithium, has anyone been/currently are on it?

Nirvana · 10-09-2012, 07:57 AM

Taking the first pill of Lithium in 10 min. I'm currently in a mixed manic episode with pshychotic features, so I know it's necessarry....

I'm scared beyond words about the "Very commom" side effects that includes weight gain (10-20% gain XX lbs), oedema, water retention in general, acne, concentration difficulties, muscle weekness and so on... This all stood in the folder that comes with the box. And more...

Those side effects are what I'm dreading the most of ALL side effects.

If I gain weight/get oedemas/severe acne (had acne and were on antibiotics for it as a teenager) I don't want to show myself outside the house.

If I get even more concentration problems I won't manage school.

If I get muscle weekness I won't be able to exercise (reduces my anxiety, the endorphine rush you know). And I will feel even worse.

Has anyone been on it, did you get any of these side effects? And if, did they go away after a while?

SCARED!

Rayven · 10-09-2012, 08:38 AM

Im on Lithium and im still working up to my theraputic dose, however for me im actually losing weight and apart from feeling a little extra thirsty i dont have any other side effects. Im someone who is very sensative to side effects of psych meds, but lithium is the best med ive taken.

MissAnonymous · 10-09-2012, 08:39 AM

My partner has been on Lithium for years without any of those side effects.

If you do get any, it could be because the dose is too high, but since you're taking your first dose, you probably wont have any side effects until it is well into your system.

Just tell your prescriber if you get any effects and they can talk about them with you.

Are you starting on a small dose with the aim to increase?

HildaOgden · 10-09-2012, 12:03 PM

i'm on lithium.. been on it for 9 years.
I get side effects you mention but don't want to put you off because i think it is a good med.
My Aunt (non blood relative) is bipolar and she's on lithium. she gets a tremor but apart from thirstiness in the mornings, she says it serves her well.
It has kept her mania and depression at bay for a number of years. She's been on lithium for something like 25 years (she's 68).