I have been taking lithium for less than a month now, but so far my experience with it has been significantly better than my experiences with Lamictal, Abilify, and Geodon. All of the aforementioned medications came with horrible side effects (for me) and helped my moods very little. With lithium, my moods and energy level have improved so much. I am so grateful that I can function now!

I know two people who have died from kidney failure due to lithium toxicity and one who is waiting for a kidney transplant. These people were all monitored regularly for toxicity…

No thanks to lithium.

I also happen to know a lot of folks who have been off meds for a long time who take lithium orotate safely and have had no episodes in years…

If you’ve taken lithium for bipolar disorder or are a doctor who has prescribed it, please share your experiences, insights, and observations.

I didn’t see that part. I took lithium years ago. It made me tremble, and I was covered from head to toe in very scaly psoriasis.

I also developed horrible acne which has left me scarred 20 years later.

I was also extremely depressed the whole time I was on it and it made me gain 40 lbs…the brain fog was horrible. I was monitored and kept on what I was told was a low dose…

You can be sure I think it’s a wonderful drug…

A friend had a grave plot picked out the week prior to starting LithaLife, a lithium orotate supplement. After two weeks taking the pills, she was looking for a husband. After four weeks, she enrolled in classes. She says lithalife saved her life.

how can you say lithium orotate won’t, help with such authority??

that there are no studies proving that it helps does not mean it does not help.

I wish psychiatrists listened to people’s experiences…since I’ve started listening to alternative voices and trusted MULTIPLE anecdotes since there were no studies to be had, I’ve chosen very effective alternatives and I’m almost med free…

Meds effectively ended my life in terms of quality. I’m finally getting it back.

I truly hope your wife remains healthy and stable but if she’s only been on Lithium since “recently” I don’t think we know yet what the outcome will be.

I did the med merry go round for 20 years and am now almost off meds and the quality of my life is much better….

I took 37 different drugs in that period of time. I had short periods of times where I thought I was doing better and that such and such a drug was the wonder drug…ultimately it became clear meds were being used to clear up other meds side effects ad nauseum.

I’ve gone natural with an excellent orthomolecular psychiatrist that also uses various energy healing techniques. Some may think it sounds like hocus pocus, but my brain is finally clearing and I’m virtually off all my meds…

I see people going into the life I led for 20 years and I cringe…the mainstream pharma funded world of psychiatry is hard to avoid. And it takes a conversion of sorts to get out from under their spell.

I do hope the best for you…some people some of the time actually stabilize on meds, but as a consumer myself and a psychiatric social worker professionally I’ve become completely disenchanted with drugs and traditional psychiatry.

Have any of you people who take lithium oratate ever heard of the placebo effect?

Kimiana,
your sarcasm is charming…

Maybe these people I know who have been stable for years never had bipoar…it is grossly over diagnosed…I wouldn’t have a problem with that interpretation.

But given I know some of these people had severe difficulties, became sicker on conventional meds and got relief when they took lithium orotate (not alone but with a nutritional regime that includes healthy diet and other supplements)

you know that most anti-depressant success is placebo? this is documented in the literature. those people tend to relapse and “poop-out” of the antidepressant is blamed…how do you explain years of stability on lithium orotate, unless of course there never was a disorder???

My doctor made me choose one of three drugs to take: lithium, Lamictal, or Seroquel. I looked up all three. Seroquel had terrible somnolence and weight gain problems. As for lithium, I felt as though I didn’t have the time to have my blood levels monitored for toxicity. Lamictal seemed like the better choice.

I have heard that lithium has helped some people but it’s not for everyone. It’s the same choice with Seroquel. Either people have chosen to gain weight and conquer their illness or have bypassed the drug and gone a different route. For a lot of people, it comes down to whether your physical health or your mental health is more important. There is no psych drug that is free of side effects.

I don’t beleive Lithium is doing anything for me at all, i take 1 gram a day and i am more depressed now than i have ever been, i am just waiting for my next appointment with my pdoc and i will be waving goodbye to this awful drug

Stillo

I take both lithium,lamictal and colonzopam for treatment of bi-polar I sustained after hitting my head during a traffic accident (I was not aware one could receive bi-polar as a result to hard blows to the head and there were 5 degrees of bi-polar) It IS NOT ONLY GENETIC. My Dr, has been doctor of the year since 1996 and is head of the psychiatric unit at a large accredited hospital. The only side effect I have had with lithium was when I accidently overdosed (thought I had not taken my meds. yet I already had) I took the same dosage again. It was not fun. I was shaking, could not walk or talk and felt like I was going to pass out. Sleep took away all the symptoms…with the help of burnt toast & peanut butter (same as charcoal) Other than that one instance, I have never had a problem with lithium. I also think lithium and lamictal compliment each other.

Hi everyone,

I suffer from psychotic bipolar I (I have also been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder a time or two).

I take (3) 300 mg capsules of Lithium Carbonate a day at bedtime (900 mg total a day). I have to say that I love lithium. Before starting on Lithium, I was on Abilify. I love lithium over Abilify. With Abilify I just did not feel like myself.

When you are trying to excel in today’s competitive environment, and you have to talk to co-workers on a daily basis, and you don’t “feel like yourself”, how can you get ahead and excel? You can’t, at least not for me. Now I know that for some people Abilify and other meds are great and work well for them. That is great. And that is the big trick for brain meds - everyone is different - you have to find the right meds and the right combinations of meds which work well for you.

But for lithium, I “fell like myself”, I have a lot of energy, I don’t get upset towards others around me, and it keeps me out of depression.

Now when I get under a lot of stress, or when I get an “unplanned-for-stressor” which hits me by surprise, then I supplement the lithium with Zyprexa. Zyprexa is specially formulated for all the different types of ghosts, goblins, demons, and bogie monsters. I.E., it eliminates all forms of delusions and hallucinations. I manage all this with the help of a caring significant other who tells me, “I think tonight maybe you should take a 5 mg dose of Zyprexa.”
She helps me out a lot this way.

This way, I know that I stay safe and that those around me stay safe. I manage my meds.

You can too!

Good luck,

Jimmy Stevenson

PS - I weigh 230 pounds, my lithium blood work usually comes in around “.7″, on the .6 to 1.2 scale, so I am healthy with lithium.

My mother has taken lithium for over 30 years now. It is truly a God send for manic depression! Before her doctor put her on lithium she was in the lock up ward of the psychiatric wing at Methodist Hospital in Houston. She had been there for a couple of months. She was on the depressed swing of a bipolar episode and not coming out of it no matter what medication they tried. They had even done shock treatments on her and nothing was working. The doctors told my father to find a State Hospital to put my mother in and have her committed. In a last ditch effort her doctor tried Lithium and she snapped out of it within a matter of a few short days. She has lived a normal, happy life on a maintenance dose of 300 mg/day of Lithium for the past 30 years. She won’t leave home without it! You better believe that I sing the praises of Lithium to everyone I know!

I was diagnosed with Bipolar I in Feb 1978 (over 30 years ago.) At the beginning it was the mania that gave me the most problems. As I got older, the depression was the worst of the two. I have had good times and bad and the best thing you can do if you have bipolar is to pick the right spouse!

I have used Lithium, Depakote (with Zoloft) and now Lamictal (with Lexapro), along with several anti-anxiety drugs as needed along the way.

LITHIUM worked great for many, many years. I had a little weight gain but not much. It was a pain to monitor (blood work, urine workup). What I didn’t like most was the heat warning. I also developed a bad case of psorasis (for the first time ever). Don’t know if the stress from a car accident helped cause the psorasis. A few months later I was hospitalized for bipolar (the only time since my intial hospitalization when I was diagnosed.) A few years down the road and I started having tremors. Once it was really bad. That’s when my meds where changed. All in all a great drug.

Then I went on Depakote with Zoloft. I had a good response to the drug. HOWEVER, I gained almost 50 lbs really quickly. That alone will put you into depression. But I stayed on this for about 7-8 years because it worked well. No side effects (but weight gain). Would NEVER recommend Depakote.

I was changed to Lamictal and Lexapro when trying to lose weight. Lamictal has to be started very, very slowly. This combination seems to work well. My psorasis has returned (but had only left when I was on Depakote because I took Amevive shots that put it in remission). It did not come back immediately so I don’t know if the Lamictal caused it or if it was just time to come back. (No one has had complete permanent remission from psorasis with Amevive and I was lucky that it worked for as long as it did.) Have been happy with Lamictal because it doesn’t have to be monitored as closely. But I do hate the size and dimension of the pill. It’s hard to get down.

I think that everyone has different reactions to the various drugs for bipolar and you must be patient when starting a new regime. Just please don’t give up because a full, happy, productive life is possible with full compliance and the right attitude. Oh yeah, also with the right spouse.

Can someone tell me the effects ill or otherwise of taking Lamictal (200 mg) per day and Abilify (5mg) per day and occasionally get drunk or stoned. My son has bi-polar disorder. He’s 18 and the above is a regular occurrence for him. He’s been warned that smoking pot can make him go schizo, but he refuses to believe. I’m certain that the meds he’s on have done him good. Prior to meds he used to regularly beat on his door in his room and sometimes even hit himself in the head. Since the meds he does neither. He’s trying to finish high school this year and really struggling with depression. I think if he would lay off drugs (pot) and alcohol the meds would level him out. But can’t convince him to do. Just wondered if there are ill effects mixing above drugs with pot and alcohol.

I’ve taken lithium since 1990. I’ve read that 30% of bipolar patients who try lithium will be “lithium responders,” and that it doesn’t work so well for everyone.

I feel blessed lithium works for me: I’m medication compliant, and in 18 years, have had only two major episodes with bipolar symptoms.

I’ve had few side affects: some kidney damage (frequent urination) my doctor said will heal itself upon cessation of the drug. Some hair loss—but I just got hair extensions!!!!!

My 11 year old daughter is on lithium. She has tried many different medications and lithium has helped a lot!! She has been on lithium for over a year.

Just thought I would share it with all of you.

I have been on lithium for just over 12 months, for bipolar. After slipping up, and just getting over a manic, and depressive episode, i would much rather be on it than off it. And yes,I’ve been trying different types of drugs for 13 years - lithium is the first one that has allowed me a normal life.
Regards…

I have been on lithium for a few months now. I have tried Geodone, Abilify, Lamictal, and been on many things like xanax and colonzapam for anxiety. Im 19 years old and I agree with the person up there who said the best thing someone with bi-polar disorder can do is find the right spouse. I’m very lucky to have married so young and found someone who can accept me for who I am and help me through it. I inherited bi-polar disorder from my mother and have been fighting with it for a while. Lithium is a god send for her who struggles with manic episodes. With me I tend to lean towards the depression side. Lithium has also worked wonders for me. I also thought Lamactial was a wonderful drug, but Lithium takes the cake!

The love of my life is currently taking Lithium, and I believe he is also taking Abilify. Lithium has done wonders for him, and you’d best believe I thank the stars every day for this miracle drug.

Although I have a question… if anyone knows the answer… what would happen if he went out and got drunk? Would the Lithium levels become harmful? Would it affect him negatively and perhaps cause him to cycle?

I am just a bit worried, for I have heard bad things, but I have also heard good. Any input on this would be helpful, for I have known nothing about Bipolar disorder before I met him.

Hi, it’s me again… I overlooked a couple of the above posts in the hurry to ask my question, and I realized that my question had already been answered!

My apologies…

I just started Lithium. I am glad to hear it works for so many. I have bad suicidal tendancies and that is my main concern. The rest I can live with. I can.. I do not know about people in my life! LOL

Day 5 today… how long does it take to start working???

Gabby

I don’t see how anyone can say lithium orotate does not work. It IS working as I write this. I do not like the idea of needing ANY medication but for the first time in a very long time I feel “normal.” I went for a walk and flashed on the fact that I haven’t felt this normal since I was a kid before puberty. And it’s only been 6 days. I purposely did not have any preconceived ideas so that there wouldn’t be any placebo effect and had low expectations, except maybe a fear of side effects - which I did not have. No side effects at ALL which is unsual for me.

The lithium toxicity symptoms listed on this site might be adjusted to be more accurate - see Kay Jamison’s bipolar bible for the list. My daughter began to have these symptoms and neither the idiot psychiatrist nor neurologist he referred her to knew what was happening. I was with her and just by chance turned to the list of lith. toxicity symptoms in Jamison’s book. Dashing to the ER and yelling “lithium toxicity”, she was at a blood level of FOUR and almost died. But after dialysis, she survived, did not go into a coma, and once again we tried for a competent psychiatrist.

Manic depression is all over our family and we couldn’t do without lithium. It has been the one savior. The killer was Zyprexa, which a Medicaid doctor shoved my late, beloved son on. He died of profound hyperglycemia from the drug. I urge everyone that if they take atypical antipsychotics, especially the worst - Zyprexa - that blood glucose levels need to be checked on a regular basis.

There is a lot of badmouthing of lithium, some of which comes from Pharma. That’s because it is a generic drug, and is cheap. No profit for Pharma.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar I rapid cycling three years ago. After being hospitalized for a month and such a list of meds it scares me now, I was finally rid of all but Lithium Carb and Ambien for sleep. I maintained on Lithium Carb 1350 mg at bedtime for 2 yrs. In August of this year I experienced a brain anuerism (no relation to my Bipolar I) and was in the hospital for one month.

After being home for 1 1/2 weeks, I was rushed back to the hospital….I started out about 3 or 4 days before with almost a restless leg syndrome type thing going on…then came the tremors…then the involuntary muscle twitches til the day I returned to the hospital I was experiencing Parkinson extreme tremors and a seizure type activity….my speech was extremely slurred and studdering…I thought it was something gone wrong with my anuerism surgery or I would be thought a hypochondriac or a nervous nelly (in fact the ER doc did suggest I was “just overly anxious over my previous anuerism”) and this delayed my seeking medical attention when the symptoms started. My lithium level was 3+ and I was experiencing a toxcity. I wound up on the cardiac unit due to arrythmias for a week, I was off Lithium for about a month and restarted at 900 mg at bedtime. After several days the restless leg syndrome symptoms started again…then the tremors and I was taken off the Lithium once again.

Would to God I could start taking Lithium again…I truly believed it saved my life and the life I lived prior to diagnosis. I was stable for 2 years and felt my prayers had been answered. Now I am on nothing and after all the other drugs and combination of drugs I was on before that left me “drugged”, washed out and fat I sometimes wonder what is worse but, worse is not Lithium in my humble opinion.

Sorry, I left out that to date, no one not my pdoc, neuro surgeon or neurologist can explain why I went toxic … levels were done freq while in the hospital with my aneurism and I continued on my routine dose of Lithium during that time. Cruel joke my body has decided to play on me I guess.

I’ve been diagnosed bipolar. I’ve tried many medications, including lithium, over the years. While I can understand from the three or four times I’ve been on it that it can work, I simply couldn’t tolerate the emotional detachment from people it engendered.
It was like living in a fishbowl, where I could see out and people could see in at me, but there was a layer of glass between us and no possibility of connection.
I had some weight gain and fuzzy thinking, the tremors and having to run to the bathroom, but they got better with time and dosage adjustment. But the detachment always was there.
I’m taking Lamictal now and it seems to be working. The side effects (for me) are nil and people close to me comment on the difference they see. Please don’t misunderstand. I think lithium is a life saver, no question. But it’s good to hear other people’s experiences, too.

Hi,

I’m a 27 year old female who was started on Lithium a week ago today. Started on 225mg Lithium, then a couple of days later, because I was tolerating it, went up to 450mg, and last night increased to 675mg (all per psychiatrist’s instructions–he said to increase slowly if I tolerate it and increase as necessary–that is, if I feel “good” at a certain level there is no need to increase anymore, etc. etc.). So, I’m at 675mg of Lithium, as I said, have been on Lithium for a week, as well as 40mg Celexa 1x/day, 300mg Lamictal 1x/day, and Klonopin 1mg/3x/day or as needed.

I spent some time in the psych hospital 2 months ago due to major depression and for the first time was diagnosed as Bipolar II, R/O Bipolar I. Since then, it has become apparent to myself and I believe my psychiatrist that I do in fact have Bipolar I.

When I was released from the hospital, having only added Abilify to my regime of anti-depressants (I’d used Abilify before with some pretty spectacular results) I was “Ok.” Really, I just wanted the h*ll out of the hospital.

My psychiatrist prescribed Lithium for me for the first time last week because I was basically in a suicidal depression for two weeks–I had to quit my job this past Sunday night (called my boss at home), was hysterical in sobs, etc.

Anyways, my questions regarding Lithium are:

1.) What is the usual course of time before a person may see some benefit from Lithium in terms of a lifting of depression?

2.) What is the minimum dosage usually of Lithium requiring blood work? (I haven’t had any blood work done. My psychiatrist indicated it was when I was up to 2 pills, i.e. 950mg, that’s when I would need blood work.)

Thanks for any help. I just found this website today and am devouring it.

-Bridget

Hi Bridget -
lithium can take 10-14 days to start showing benefit - but only after it gets to therapeutic level - so it often takes longer than that since we usually start at lower doses and work upward.
In terms of when you need the first level it varies - but it sounds like you will be getting a level soon and that will be an important part of planning the treatment regimen.

Good luck with your trial of lithium -

Dr. Fink

Hey, I just have a few questions. I am bipolar 2. First of all I was on Geodon for about a month and had a dystonic reaction to it so I had to totally stop it “cold turkey”. I loved how it made me feel mentally, and I loved how quickly it helped my mood stabalize. It’s the best I’ve ever felt in my entire life, but I couldn’t take it. Then my doctor put me on lithium. I’ve been on it for about a week now and I’m more depressed than I’ve ever been in my life. I don’t see it doing anything. I’m afraid to have another dystonic reaction because it took a month for it to happen with the Geodon. I don’t know if I should just tough it out or call my Dr. or what. I don’t want to hurt myself and I’m worried because I don’t want to end up in the hospital either. What should I do?

Hi, Jaimie–

Dealing with bipolar and the effects of medication is already tough enough, so I would strongly advise you to contact your doctor rather than trying to “tough it out.” It may take awhile before the lithium level in your blood reaches its therapeutic level, but maybe your doctor can give you something else in the meantime. In addition, although lithium is effective in treating both poles of bipolar for some people, it’s not always effective in treating depression, even when it’s at therapeutic levels.

In any event, if you’re not feeling right, that’s always a good sign that you need to consult your doctor.

Wishing you the best.

Hi,
I have a 16 year old son with bipolar. We have had bad experiences with psych meds in the past. We are trying lithium orotate and are wondering what is a typical therapeutic dose? We are using 120 mg tablets from Advanced Research. We try to get him to take 5-6/per day, but have seen minimal improvement.
Earlier someone mentioned using an orthomolecular psychiatrist. How do I find one in my area..Ohio?
Thank you.

Andrea .. that would be Andrea SAXION, wouldn’t it …. now is that “friend” a REAL friend or a made-up friend?..to help sales .. wink, wink…

One dose of your touted “no side effects” has sent me into full-blown lithium toxicity.
Were it not for medical background and pharmacology knowledge, I’d be clueless as to what is going on in my body and why I’m extremely thirsty and my kidneys ache.
Lithium is TOXIC … this comment may upset your income stream .. oh Lith-a-Life investors/owners posting here “touting” the alleged safety of your product …. there is false advertising on your website that claims Lith-a-Life is “without side effects”
Folks, read the side effects for lithium carbonate .. they’re the same for lithium orotate

Why did I purchase this “wonder” product? .. I was duped by the radio commercials and the glowing testimonials .. now I can’t sleep because … well, let me put it this way .. get out a PDR .. or just google “lithium toxicity” .. all experienced with one dose folks.. thank God literally I didn’t take the labels starting recommended dose of 2 tablets

I’m not bipolar ..just wanted some sleep

yes, sarcasm intended .. lithium, regardless of form, is not a “one size fits all”

be forewarned folks, I was duped into the “feel good” of the glowing testimonials and the half-life of this “wonder” supplement seems to be hitting me again

what a rollercoaster ride .. don’t buy into it

in addition, lithium (IN ANY FORM) is contraindicated if you are ALLERGIC or SENSITIVE to any of its ingredients (had to take a Benadryl within an hour of taking the first dose of this “wonder” supplement) and lithium should also not be taken if you have heart or kidney disease, dehydration, low blood sodium or if you are taking diuretics.. lithium also interacts with SSRI’s and NSAID’s, just to name a few drugs it can interact with.. and washes sodium out of the body thereby causing potential electrolyte imbalances, especially if one is taking diuretics already

source .. “The Pill Book” …

yo homie…
im 17 and im [[going]] to start taking lithium.
i want to know if im going to start to gain weight? or if im going to get bad acne and all these bad things that people are saying…

I am bipolar 1.

I’m 19. And I wasn’t diagnosed until four months ago. Although, throughout my life, there are point in my life that scream bipolar. It’s not easy to live with. I always thought I was, but when I was dismissed from a therapist that said I was an “ordinary girl” - I tried to believe it was true.

In October 2008, I couldn’t take the depression, irritability, loss of interest, no appetite, loss of sleep, HIGH INTEREST in sex, and - worst of all, jumping straight back to, over talkative, happy, and energetic. I was spending money like crazy (which no one can afford when its pointless).

I got help. My doctor said I was suffering from major depression. He put me on Wellbutrion (300mg a day). This worked fine, but not for long. Two or three weeks went by and I got over stressed, active, and paranoid.
He added prozac
Prozac. hate it. hate it. hate it. It drove me CRAZY! This is where my bipolar exposed itself to extremes. Prozac is one of the most well known antidepressants to bring out bipolar. It’s also, the most popular antidepressant for the ages of 15-23 or something to kill themselves on.

I hate doing research on drugs, because you learn stuff like this, and it scares you.

I finally went in and told my doctor to take me off the prozac. Then and there, after a two hour appointment - lithium (300mg 3x a day) was our conclusion. I stayed on the wellbutrion - just added the lithium.

I’ve been on it now, since November. I’ve seen no positive effects. Early on, it seemed to make some positive change. But not much. I now seem to be getting worse. I’ve heard stories about lithium working, and not working. My level last time I had it checked was .7 - some have said to up my dose, get off the anti depressant, (which Ive heard has a huge effect)

I’m not sure whether I like, or dislike lithium. Lithium has some scary side effects. But. If you are regularly checked, thyroid, kidneys, blood levels - so on, and so forth, it’s said to be a good drug. It has a lot of bad talk. But I’ve heard wonders.

Not many seem to post on this anymore. So I was hoping to get opinions. I’m going to a new doctor tomorrow. So it’s unknown how it’ll go. But I hope my story has helped. And I hope everyone finds the right treatment…

It’s not easy. I just hope I find mine, soon.

Dakoda;

I was worried about weight gain. EXTREMELY worried about it. my cousin is bipolar 1, and gained around 60 pounds on a bipolar medication. Which, I do not know. But it wasn’t lithium.

When I was on prozac, i lost weight. Then again, prozac made EVERYTHING worse for me.

Nearly in the past three months I have no gained much since I started lithium. 900mgs a day. I hear its hard to get the weight OFF once you gain it. I’ve heard it affects some greatly, some not really. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT. talk to your doctor about it! You get to choose which drug to take. You should know all side effects. Though, this isn’t one that should be your biggest worry. But it’s still good to know what you’re about to consume and what YOU are personally comfortable with. If you are bipolar, it is something you’ll live with forever. Whether you stay on medication, or go off, you should know how to handle it.

I gained maybe 10 pounds back, from what I had originally lost. Then again, when I don’t eat with my lithium, I feel absolutely sick. Therefore, I eat more then what I normally would want to.
(I take lithium 300mg 3x a day, morning, lunch, dinner) =900mg

best of luck to you.

p.s. I haven’t heard much of anyone getting acne. But know that every medication works different for everyone.

I am also 19 and just diagnosed about two weeks ago, I was also on wellbutrin for 3 years and I always felt that I was trapped in a body that I could not handle or control, thank God I am a psych major….. Or I never would have know what it was! I am on a mood stabilizer right now that literally makes me through up all my food, and I am constantly in the bathroom. I refuse to take lithium.. To dangerous for my taste… Does throwing up all the time feel good absolutely not, however I have slowed down by ten fold… I would take the the throwing up every single day for the fact that I now feel that I can live a normal, health, lifestyle…

I’m 55 and was prescribed antidepressant meds when I presented with depression to my GP after ending up in the emergency ward with awful sideaffects I was prescribed a change of brand and kept on antidepressants. I rapid cycled, through depression, anxiety, mania and psychosis for 6 months till I asked my GP to prescribe Lithium after a particularly severe manic attack. I’ve been taking Lithium 750 mg daily and feel amazing. So much better and stable. Wish I’d done this years ago.

I’m a journalist. I would like to interview someone who has gone through the process of revealing a mental illness to others. Please contact me at richardjdalton [at] gmail [dot] com
Thanks, Richard

My general practitioner prescribed lithium carb about 8mths. ago. She never once did a blood test although, she did mention something about it to me. I’ve experienced more mania episodes more often , in fact two to three times a day. The fact that I can’t put my thoughts together bothers me terribly. I can’t seem to finish any projects I start anymore and I’m much more irritable. Though I know I’ll never commit suicide the thoughts are more prevalant. I can’t sleep at night and my joints hurt alot. I haven’t been able to see my doctor in over 5 mths because I no longer have medical insurance due to my layoff. As if my bipolarism doesn’t make me imposing enough to people, when I do get an interview I can’t get my thoughts together enough to focus. I basically wing it. I really am unsure of what to do at this point. With all the stresses of unemployment and having to sell what little we have (2 sons under 2,10yr.old daughter and wife) I’m afraid to stop taking it because I don’t know which way I’ll go. I will say that even though I go through the mania more frequently the time spans are usually no more than 1hr. She never did a blood test and I can’t afford to see her but atleast she calls them in for me. I’m lost right now and uncertain as to whether the drug is good or bad. Without an opinion either way, thats my story about lithium.
Mike

I’m in my late 30s and was diagnosed with BP2 three years ago. Going back to high school I had experienced beneficial hypomania, insomnia, and mild depression. In my 20s and early 30s all symptoms increased with higher hypomania, lower depressions and increasing self medication. Eventually I kind myself starting new ventures, travelling, had a run away libido and was planning to kill myself.

My physician responded to my symptoms by prescribing a series of antidepressants. The 3rd one I tried induced mild mania and panic attacks. A very skilled psychoatric nurse practioner saw me and prescribed lithium and lamictal. I wasn’t ready for the diagosis and got a 2nd opinion.

The psychiatrist I saw also prescribed lithium (none of the doctors I’ve seen ever suggested an atypical antipsychotic). The effects were profound. In the first week I lost my interest in drinking. My heightened interest in extra-marital sex decreased. Impulsive shopping was less frequent. I got in fewer arguments, was less irritable, and was no longer suicidal.

In my first winter I found that my depression could still knock me out. Finding it difficult to get out of bed, impossible to read, and just drowning in anhedonia I went back to my pDoc who suggested no anti-depressants but did suggest Lamictal (now, the same prescription the nurse practioner had prescribed.)

I have found the lithium to be great for my hypomania and helpful but not enough for my depressive cycles. It did help with suicidal thinking and it had a huge impact on my drinking (I’ve basically abstained from drinkng because the lithium makes it so unpalatable for me). The Lamictal has really provided “floorboards”: in 3 years I’ve only had mild depressions usually just for a week or so.

Lithium hasn’t been all good. My weight actually decreased but a did get mild tremors and sometimes induces some foggy days. Worst has been my thyroid which has been blown out by this crazy salt, making me first wildly hyper-thyroid and later hypothyroid. Now I take levithyroxine as well as my thyroid is basically non functional.

It was hard for me to start taking all these drugs. But they have helped me keep my life together. I miss my thyroid but I’m thankful I kept my wife and kids. None of them really understand the condition but they’ve all remarked how much easier I am to live with. And I’m glad I didn’t kill myself. I really do credit lithium for saving my life and my family.

And who knows, maybe this magical salt will help power the batteries of our plugin hybrids and electric cars, save the planet, and this rid lithium of the stigma it suffers once and for all.
P

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From a long-time user of lithium, I had my first psychotic manic episode in 1971, 38 years ago. After two manic and depressive cycles I was diagnosed as bipolar (manic-depressive illness back then) and prescibed lithium. I resisted my diagnosis and treatment. This resistence caused me to lose 10 years of my life as I was hospitalized numerous times and had to start over in school and in various jobs. When my son was born I again became manic and landed in the state hospital. As a new father I was determined not to let this happen again. I finally becamme compliant with lithium treatment. I have been free of any major manic or depressive symptoms for 28 years with only relatively minor side effects (ocassional diarrhea and slight hand tremor). Unfortunately, my mother died this spring which triggered my first manic episode in years. Somehow my serum lithium level had dipped low. My hospitalization was brief (less than a week) and I was back at work within a month. I have never tried any of the other mood stabilizers so I can’t say for certain that they would not be effective with me. My suspicion is that for me and most Bipolar I patients, lithium carbonate is the drug of choice. My psychotic poles are so extreme that I consider it a miracle that I can be so effectively treated with a simple salt.