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Don't know what to do for the best

Posted , 5 users are following.

w15
w15

I am on a number of medications for severe depression.  A few months ago I decided to come off Lithium, I did it really slowly and had no adverse effects (this was undertaken with out the knowledge of cons/gp/cpn)

Unfortunetly the week I finished tapering off my husband was diagnosed with cancer and is due to go into hospital to have the tumour removed in 2 weeks time.

I dont know whether I should restart the lithium, just in case, or leave my head clear of all the muzziness.

My GP and Lithium nurse know what i have done and my circumstances but neither are giving me any clues about what i should do.

My GP has said that if I decide I needed or wanted to back to taking Lithium I was to go back and see him ASAP so he could work with my psychiatrist to get me back to my 'normal' level quickly.

I am really confused about what I should do.  

I was still getting bouts of deep depression every few months even while taking it, so if it wasnt working why have all the side effects.

As you can tell my mind is completely jumbled up.

What are your views or experience on what might be the best option for me

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • borderriever
    borderriever w15

    Posted

    w15

    I would feel you need to go back on Lithium to control the ups and downs of your condition. It is difficult for us to advise on this although prsonally you are going to need something to help you.

    Your GP and Specialists could try something different, although they may stay with what they know.

    If you need someone to talk to we are here.

    Please talk to your GP for Monday and see what He will advise to get through this stressful time

    Keep a Hold

    • w15
      w15 borderriever

      Posted

      thanks for taking the time to reply

      I'm not sure the lithium ever stopped the ups and downs, dr etc tell me they believe the ups and downs are not as deep because of the lithium, didnt used to believe them, but maybe they right after all

       

    • borderriever
      borderriever w15

      Posted

      w15

      You need the GP to decide how to calm your stressfull situation.

      Talk to your GP Monday

      Always around

  • barbara22845
    barbara22845 w15

    Posted

    The decision should be from your doctor. I came off an antidepressant on my own and the affects were bad. You should never off meds without dr's advice. If your'e meds dont seem to be working tell your doctor and let him decide what is best. Iam really sorry to hear about your'e husband. I truly hope his surgery removes all the cancer. You should see your'e doctor as soon as you can. Sending prayers for both of you.

  • g.90572
    g.90572 w15

    Posted

    You are getting good support from your doctor and he has left it up to you.perhaps you can get a medicine that you can take as needed and is not too addictive . keep yourself busy keeping your partner on the road to recovery
  • Digsby
    Digsby w15

    Posted

    Hi,

    I don't have any experience of taking Lithium but I do know what it's like to find the side effects of my ADs intolerable and need to come off them more quickly than my doctor would advise. I would never recommend "cold turkey" or even rapid tapering to anyone. However, the health professionals do not have experience of taking these drugs and each patient is different. You know your own body (and mind) and if continuing to take a drug is worse than life was before taking it then the decision seems obvious. I'm glad that your health support network know your situation. So sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he gets the treatment that he needs and that all goes well for you both. Look after yourself and stay safe. Sending you prayers & hugs xx

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