Experience of taking lithium?!

Experience of taking lithium?

I am going to be taking lithium for my depression and would appreciate anyones views and experiences of it.... good and bad. Am worried about side effects in particular long term effects - having children, weigh gain etc. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Have been on anti-depressants for the past 15 years... not effective

Hi:

I also have Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and more. I am difficult to treat medication wise also. I have been on so many different ones over the years that I have lost count of how many. It is very difficult for people such as you and I to find the right med or combination of meds that will work for us.

My doc finally started me on Lithium last October. It was difficult for me at the begining due to I was already cycling in Bipolar and depression. But after a few months, I did not notice a difference yet, but is was also the holidays and that is a terrible time for me, but my doc and therapist both noticed a positive difference, I didn't. After about the first 6 mos, just a few months ago, I did start to realize a small difference. I do believe that my dose needs to be increased and my doc will probably do that next time.

Lithium is usually used as one of the last resort type drugs because it is a very dangerous med and much caution needs to be used. Make sure your doc checks your blood levels every couple mos or so to make sure that your Lithium levels are where they should be.

Since I have been on so many meds for so long, I already have the weight gain, dry mouths and so forth. But here is a list of the possible side effects of Lithium:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
blurred vision or eye pain;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
slurred speech;
extreme drowsiness, weakness, or confusion;
involuntary movements; or
ringing in your ears.

Here are the less serious side effects:

fine hand tremor;
mild increase in thirst or urination;
a rash;
headache or mild dizziness; or
swollen feet or hands.

I have many of the side effects but realistically you can't go by me because mine are on the extreme side, but I live with them.

Having Children, as with any other med you need to discuss that with your MD. Extremely important.

As I said it can be a dangerous med, but since I notice a little difference, I am going to stick with it. I do know of other people who are on Lithium and they also see excellent results.

I guess it is a personal choice as to whether you choose to take Lithuim or not. Weigh the pro's and con's, think seriously on your depression and would possible side effects, which one is more important to you and your health? Curing or coming close to curing your depression and giving you better quality of life or a headache, maybe some weight gain, etc. You need to consider all those things and if you are still unsure, talk again with your doc, and keep talking with the doc until you feel comfortable in what ever decision that you choose to make.

My contact info is in my profile, it you want to contact me for any reason at all, please do, it's ok, and I will do my best to help.

Your question is a great one and also is greatly important.

Be safe and be well