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Bipolar Forums › General & Support › Lithium
07/15/2010 05:13 PM
PandaBear
 
Posts: 49
Member
Okay so my pdoc has suggested lithium to me as an option as currently the meds im on arent workign the way they should be.

All ive heard about lithium are two things it either helps u or makes u psycotic. Im just wondering how others have found this medication or what people know about it and if you can help me understand it a bit more before i make my final decision!

Panda x

**Panda Bear**
Reply

07/15/2010 05:27 PM  Top
dogdown51
dogdown51
 
Posts: 378
Member
I took it 4 several years n did not like the wt gain b/c u retain water.Lithium is a salt. So I stopped taking it but started having more manic attacks, spending money like the well was full(which it really wasn't) n realized that the lithium really does help so I'm back on it n doing much better

07/15/2010 05:32 PM  Top
PandaBear
 
Posts: 49
Member
Yeah weight gain is a huge thing for me hence im on lamotrigine. but im finding lately its not quite working as well as it should be for me. so we are trying to find other options. I need something to control my manics as ive spent up big on my credit card and just cant control myself now whenever i go out i need to leave my purse home so im not tempted...
**Panda Bear**

Previous discussions I participated in:
Struggling
Narcisisim
Pristiq

07/15/2010 05:38 PM  Top
Dit
Dit
 
Posts: 12063
Group Leader
I'm an Advocate
Been on Lithium for 14 yrs, my dosage has gone up and down over these yrs. It's worked very well for me, but there's some side effects i don't like but i need to stay well for my family so i continue to take it. Recently my pdoc reduced the dosage b/c i hated the side-effects i was having. Now they aren't as bad. I wish you all the best. Lithium is suppose to work very well especially for mania.
Be Still and Know That I Am - Scripture
12-Step Slogans - One Day/Moment at a Time/Just for Today/Let Go & Let God/But By the Grace of God
Live and Let Live/Easy Does It/This Too Shall Pass

"Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts." - Hopi tribe

Bipolar I

Lithium 300 mgs, Lamotrigine 200 mgs, Klonopon (Clonazepam) .05mg more if needed, Clomipramine (Anafranil) 25 mgs, Abilify 5 mgs, Seroquel 25 mgs

Please note that I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist. My opinions are personal only. This site is not intended to be a substitution for professional care, nor is anyone here qualified to make diagnoses.

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07/15/2010 05:39 PM  Top
Joy75
Joy75
 
Posts: 15645
Group Leader
I'm an Advocate
I've heard nothing but good things about Lithium. You might just want to give it a try. I wish you luck. Stay strong. Hugs
Joy, 37 years old

Blog:

http://www.joylepley.blogspot.com

Email:

simplyjoyful75@gmail.com

Bipolar type 2 and ADD

300mg Wellbutrin
200mg Lamictal
40mg Viibryd
15mg Abilify

I AM NEITHER A PSYCHIATRIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. I AM HERE FOR THE SAME REASONS YOU ARE. TO GIVE AND RECEIVE SUPPORT. WHAT I SAY IS PURELY MY OPINION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

Bipolar disorder can be a great teacher. It’s a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life. – Carrie Fisher

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07/15/2010 05:55 PM  Top
BlindFaith
BlindFaith
 
Posts: 62
Member
Lithium was great and brought me down from a very destructive manic episode. I stayed on it for about 6 months and had no negative side effects. It is definitely worth a try. Medications work differently for everyone so it is all up to how it reacts with the individual.

07/15/2010 05:58 PM  Top
SCarlson
Had wonderful results with Lithium so far. Hope you find it helpful!

07/15/2010 06:43 PM  Top
boonescreekgirl
boonescreekgirl
 
Posts: 280
Member
I've been taking lithium for six months and now trying to come off of it due to problems with the side effects. I'm switching to Abilify instead.
Melissa

Bipolar I
_________________________
Prescription Meds Daily:
Geodon 160mg
Abilify 15mg
Propranolol 10mg
Levothyroxin 50mcg

07/15/2010 09:40 PM  Top
PandaBear
 
Posts: 49
Member
Can i ask why your coming off the lithium? Is it because of the side effects or because its not working for you? Sorry to ask if you dont want to tell me thats fine. I guess im just trying to get some more information on it all before i go ahead with my decision i go back and see my pdoc on thursday so i need to maek a decision before hand and would like it to be a informed one?
**Panda Bear**

Previous discussions I participated in:
Struggling
Narcisisim
Pristiq

07/16/2010 08:01 AM  Top
boonescreekgirl
boonescreekgirl
 
Posts: 280
Member
I'm coming off of Lithium due to side effects. I now have problems with my thyroid and and on medication for that. Also I have problems with tremors and depression. Abilify is supposed to help with the depression and my thyroid should go back to normal once I am off of the lithium.
Melissa

Bipolar I
_________________________
Prescription Meds Daily:
Geodon 160mg
Abilify 15mg
Propranolol 10mg
Levothyroxin 50mcg
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