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Lithium experiences?

Posted , 5 users are following.

syl15252
syl15252

4 weeks ago I've begun taking lithium but still not feeling any difference- actually, my depression has been very bad lastly. How long did it take for lithium to work for you (in case anyone has actually taken it)?

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • laura2707
    laura2707 syl15252

    Posted

    Hey smile 

    I was on lithium for 2-3 months and it actually made matters worse, I was sick quite often on it, my ears would ring at night and I couldn't sleep, my head was really foggy like I couldn't remember things that had just happened, I felt so much more depressed which is what I was mostly trying to get rid of, it's not for everyone.

    My advice would be to try something different or wait another while to see if it helps you butif not then definitely go on something different, lithium for me felt like poison.

    I'm on lamotrigine at the moment and I'm not seeing any difference in myself yet I asked to go on it after researching them all and it's the only one that doesn't make you gain weight that I can find.  Hope they can find something that will help you smile 

    I've tried:

    Olanzapine 

    Fluoxetine 

    Escitilopram 

    Lithium 

    Lamotrigine

  • laura2707
    laura2707 syl15252

    Posted

    Oh and how much are you on? They put the dosage up quite quickly usually, they said to me around 3 weeks and it should start to kick in and I felt ill from around a month after taking it onwards.
    • syl15252
      syl15252 laura2707

      Posted

      Thanks Laura for your reply! Well, I was on 400 first 3 weeks and then 900 (so practically I am 7 weeks on lithium, only last 4 on the dose that is supposed to be "therapeutical"). Although, I don't have all the symptoms you had but I do feel like my depression reached new depths with more self-loathing, agression, inability to normally function (also affecting my memory). I don't know whether it is contribution of lithium or one of depressive episodes that would happen anyways. I tried fluoxetine but didn't feel any difference.

      I admire you for staying so optimistic in search for right pills! I've tried 2 and already tired of looking and frustrated rolleyes

  • laura2707
    laura2707 syl15252

    Posted

    Hey sorry I took ages there, couldn't get this to load properly rolleyes

    I would try saying to them that it's not for you, I felt much the way you're describing. I'm never aggressive yet on that I felt very much that way, not physically but I was snapping at people a lot. Yeah same about the fluoxetine it done nothing at all rolleyes. 

    I wish it was optimism, it's more I feel like if I don't keep trying different things that nothing will change and I really need it to. If you're not happy with the treatment you're on definitely speak up though. It does feel like they'll pretty much put you on anything to get you to stop seeing them.

    Lithium I think is best for people who are in manic/hypomanic phases which is something that doesn't bother me. I'm mostly depressed so I want something to lift me. What other ones have you tried other than lithium? smile 

    • syl15252
      syl15252 laura2707

      Posted

      Ha, I know my hypomanic episdes can result in lots of regret, but I miss them now when I am just low all the time! I actually didn't have them (ups) too often either but it helped me to balance things out- I wasn't working too much (or not at all) when depressed but then I was extra productive during hypomania. So, you're right, lithium is not the answer, just made things worse.

      I haven't tried anything but lithium and fluoxetine and number of antianxiety drugs.

  • anne_33518
    anne_33518 syl15252

    Posted

    Hello syll, I think you must give lithium a chance, I was diagnosed with hypo mania over 30 years ago, and found that the lithium coped better with the " highs" than the lows at first. Once it " settled in" I found it done it's job very well. You may find if the depressions continue, that the dr may suggest another medication to cope with them. But my advice is to  see how you go, try not to focus on the lithium too much, try to be 

    positive and look for the good things you have in life, not the bad. Take care.

    • syl15252
      syl15252 anne_33518

      Posted

      Hi Anne,

      Thanks for advice. It really helped. I study neuroscience and because of that doctors seem to be more allowing for me to make a decision so sometimes when i say I don't want it I immediatelly get sth else. First, I thought I should ditch lithium but after reading all the posts here, I discussed it with the doc and I did get extra med for my lows and kept lithium. So, thanks again- made a difference!

  • laura2707
    laura2707 syl15252

    Posted

    Yeah I think it's hard to find something that doesn't just dull your emotions, the ones ive tried seem to put you on a flatline (apart from the one I'm on which has done nothing so far) which is pretty horrendous for anyone trying to get back on their feet.

    Well I really hope you get your meds sorted so you can feel better, it is tough keeping going with treatment but just power through and you'll get there aha. smile

  • DrK
    DrK syl15252

    Posted

    Hi

    Lithium is the BEST mood stabilizer and most people with bipolar can manage only with lithium alone with some add on medications sos.Its the only medication which can work in all phases of bipolar.It takes around 4 to 8 weeks in depressive phase. Its overall effect gets better and better as time passes.But more often than not biplor depressive episodes are severe and lithium alone may not work.Still I would suggest you to wait for atleast 6 months before you decide that lithium is not working.I am a Lithium supporter and manytimes I say to people when they insist to discontinue lithium... "Lithium is your best friend" And truly it is.

    • syl15252
      syl15252 DrK

      Posted

      Hi DrK,

      I decided to stay on lithium and your remarks make me more optimistic. Now, I'll just try not thinking about drugs but everyday life and hope for the best! Thanks!

  • milly2015
    milly2015 syl15252

    Posted

    Been on Lithium 2 years now yes it took a while to work and get the dosage right for me but it sure controls how many hyps and lows I had each day.I am on a high dose but then again all tablets are a high dose for me as my body doesn't recognise them. I also take Trazadone and Sertraline and altogether they work well together for my Bi-Polar and also that of my Uncle who also has it, we also have the same Specalist who is able to help us well. 
    • syl15252
      syl15252 milly2015

      Posted

      Thanks Milly,

      It's encouraging. Today I had an appointment with my psychiatrist and we decided I should stay on lithium and at meds for depression. Now I know, I just have to be patient. Thanks!

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