Posted by SLS on September 29, 2001, at 11:00:21
In reply to Is the LITHIUM causing this?, posted by chloe on September 29, 2001, at 10:14:44
> I am taking 600 mgs Li ER (along with a tad of Celexa, 500 mgs neurontin and 7 mgs diazapam) but don't really have any of the "classic" annoying side effects of Li. But I do have this edgy, jittery feeling inside all the time. When I lie in bed, I just hear my heart pounding away. I feel terribly over caffineated, though that is NOT the cause, since I have almost cut out caffeine :(.
>
> Can anyone tell me if they exerience this inner *activation*? I hate feeling all jazzed up. Is there any way that this could diminish as my neurons get used to the Li? Or is this a permanent feature of this med? All the searching I have done, does not mention an inner shakiness. Just a hand tremor. And surprisingly, I have not developed that.
>
> The other disappointing thing, is that I thought my mood and irritability had improved over the 10 days I have been on Li. But last night, I had two very abusive rage outbursts, at rather minor triggers. My pdoc assured me that Li is very good for "rage" etc. But now I am quite disillusioned.
>
> If anyone has any insight or experience to why I feel so "jittery" inside and short fused, please respond. I would so appreciate some insight to help me get through this weekend.
>
> Ever grateful,
> Chloe
Hi Chloe.I can't be sure what the "jittery" feelings involve. I really don't feel that I have had enough personal experience with lithium to comment on it.
Anger and rage often appear as depression just begins to lift. It is sort of the reverse of what some peope experience when depression is just beginning to emerge, or during the first two days of PMS. It might actually be a good sign.
Depending on how you are taking the Neurontin and diazepam, you might be setting yourself up for a sort of daily benzodiazepine withdrawal. This could explain both the jitteriness/anxiety and the anger/rage.
I wish I could give you something more definitive. I'm sure someone else can.
Good luck.
Ever caring,
Scott
poster:SLS
thread:79893
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010927/msgs/79897.html