Posted by BarbaraCat on March 27, 2002, at 21:32:39
In reply to Re: Should I increase my lithium - Old School, posted by OldSchool on March 27, 2002, at 21:10:32
Okay, so Mitch says that a subtherapeutic dose is actually indicated for BPII. I know that my very sub level (.5) has been enough to give the Remeron a kick to make it work. I hate to raise it and subject myself to the lithium side effects if it seems to be doing the trick, even tho at a low level. What say you to this? - BCat
> > Old School,
> >
> > Thanks for that advice, I didn't realise I had to get my blood drawn, I spose my psyciatrist hastn't requested I get it drawn because I am such a low dose. However, I'll bear what you said in mind, perhaps I won't give up entirely on the lithium after all.
> >
> > Denise
>
>
> Yes, Denise this is basic lithium 101 stuff. You MUST get a lithium level drawn in order to determine if the level is within the theraputic window. It has to be exactly perfect,or the lithium simply will not work. Also, many psychiatrists simultaneously run basic thyroid tests with lithium levels, this is to see if the lithium is making you hypothyroid at all, a common side effect of longterm lithium usage.
>
> Lithium is worthless if its not in the right theraputic window.
>
> Old School
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:99855
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/100631.html