Anyone take Lithium and how does it help you?!


Question: Anyone take Lithium and how does it help you?
My pDoc wants me to try Lithium due to the fact that I am very sensitive to psych meds. I have a mood disorder along with severe anxiety and have tried so many different meds to no avail that he thinks this may just be the one for me. He told me about the blood work and thyroid levels that need to be checked every so often, and I'm ok with having to do that if I can get some relief. I also take 1mg of Ativan as needed per day for panic attacks. Of course that helps a bit, but i refuse to go up on a benzo dose ever again. A previous doctor (BAD DOCTOR) use to give them to me like Skittles and it took me over a year to get down to the 1mg as needed.

Anyhow, I was taking Seroquel but the side effects were to much for me. I always seem to fall under that 1% category of patients that get the weird side effects...LOL

What I did like about the Seroquel is that it quieted down my thoughts within an hour of taking it. Does Lithium have this same effects? My pDoc says it does, but it's sedating effect isn't nearly that of Seroquel because it's basically just a salt and doesn't contain any antihistamine properties.

Am I correct in understanding this? I'm supposed to start it tomorrow, and the one thing I'm hoping is that is will quiet down the racing thoughts the way the Seroquel will. I guess what I'm asking is; does it begin to work with the first dose, or am I going to have to wait a week to feel any of it's effects?

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I have never had it but have seen scores of people who have. I hope it works for you. It is an old and very well established medication. Let's see how you get on.

Other options for mood disorder and anxiety include:
Risperidone
Olanzepine
Sodium Valproate
Semi-Sodium Valproate
Carbemazepiane
Lamotrigine

None of thes are addictive. However they all have the potential for unwanted effects. It is a bit of pot luck on how it affects the individual. I haven't included links for all of these but you can take a look for yourself now that you have the names.

Professional Experience



Lithium is usually the first drug of choice in treating mood disorders like bipolar. I tried to take it, but it made me sick everyday for 30 days so they took me off. Lithium didn't affect my mood right away, and I think it takes a while for it to start having the desired effect. If you have questions about it, call your doctor, or speak to his nurse. Either can tell you how long it takes for it to kick in. I hope your doctor told you that the need for blood tests is to tell how much Lithium is in your system. To low and it has no effect, to high and it can lead to Lithium poisoning. In hot weather you should be careful not too do stuff that makes you sweat a lot, don't drink a lot of stuff like pop or coffee that causes you to pee a lot. This can cause dehydration, and the loss of water and salt from your body can cause Lithium poisoning. I'm not trying to scare you, Lithium works very well for a lot of people. Just make sure you go for your blood work.




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