What are Lithium's common side effects? What can I expect?!
Question: I was prescribed Lithium today for Bipolar type 2 and I was given an entire list of side effects just about every side effect known to man (or so it looks like) Im wondering what are the common side effects? When you started it did you notice anything and how long did it take to stop?
Im to take 1 tablet per day for a week and then have a blood test and then a week later see the psychiatrist again who says I will probably go up in dose to 2 per day and I have been put on a slow release form - he says this will limit the amount of stomach troubles.
Im just curious thats all - I will be taking it regardless.
Answers: I was prescribed Lithium today for Bipolar type 2 and I was given an entire list of side effects just about every side effect known to man (or so it looks like) Im wondering what are the common side effects? When you started it did you notice anything and how long did it take to stop?
Im to take 1 tablet per day for a week and then have a blood test and then a week later see the psychiatrist again who says I will probably go up in dose to 2 per day and I have been put on a slow release form - he says this will limit the amount of stomach troubles.
Im just curious thats all - I will be taking it regardless.
The two reoccurring side effects that I've dealt with is the nausea and occasional vertigo.
Oh, and the lithium caused my thyroid to get out of whack. The result was my eyebrows practically disappeared. Had to add thyroid med to counter this...
Make sure you have your lithium levels tested regularly. The therapeutic level is real close to the toxic level...
All in all, I am satisfied with how lithium regulates my moods. I prefer it for controlling my bipolar condition because it is a natural trace mineral in my body anyway... All these other manufactured/created meds are great but who knows the long term results...
cant be too bad cause it used to be in 7 up. seriously. look it up.
WWW.WEBMD.COM
my son's father is bi polar and he takes lithium I'm not sure what milligram but he shakes alot (tremors) I always thought he was nervous but he told me it was from the lithium I'm not sure how long he has been treated with it or if the tremors will eventually go away.
I am in no way a professional, Im a psychology major and we are taught that at first the patient or client might have slight nausea, diarrhea, lethargy,thirstiness, frequent urination. Alot of people that use lithium drink more fluids without knowing why which causes the frequent urination. As the dosage increases you might develop a slight hand tremor. Please be careful taking lithium because it can be very dangerous if the wrong dosage is taken. I hope I helped you!
Good for you.and sounds like you have a good Dr. l
Like all medication they list all possible side effects anybody can ever have this is because of a terrible virus call (Lawyers). normal side effects are dyiaria, change in appetite,tremors, disruption in sleeping habits(if you are a sleeper you might sleepless, if you are not a sleeper you may sleep more.
watch you urine. make sure you drink enough to keep it running a normal color. hope i answered the question. Good luck. and be patient. it will balance out