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Re: What are lithium and depakote's side effects??

Posted by sarita0001 on November 6, 2003, at 22:23:29

In reply to Re: What are lithium and depakote's side effects?? » amuse, posted by ramsea on November 6, 2003, at 18:21:42

Hi,

I know that lithium is known to be hard on the kidneys, I don't know how but was told that. One doctor told me to take the whole dose at night instead of 2x a day b/c it is better for kidney function. Not sure about long term side effects- I've been off a month and haven't noticed anything. My 1st psychiatrist of 5 years who had practiced for 30 years said that he's had people on lithium for many years(some 20+) and they were ok. But as with everything everyone tolerates things differently.

As far as the new bipolar drugs go, it seems like an anti-epileptic is usually combined with lithium sometimes or an anti-depressant. Lamictal is now what doctors are suggesting as the 1st line for BP. I am sure you have heard of Lamictal's life threatening but rare SJS rash. I personally find that scarier than lithium. At least lithium has been around long enough to know what long term side effects are. I found lithium to be very sedating in general but especially when the level was too high. I was pretty mellow all the time and after 5.5 years, underlying anxiety kicked in and now I am off lithium and on Prozac. That is a long story- they think I had a substance induced mood disorder(manic episode) when I was 17. Finding a good level can cut back side effects, weight gain, etc.

It's true all drugs have side effects, but if you do research on anti-epileptic drug side effects you'll get more info. It really depends what side effects bother you the most, but you can't predict which ones you'll get. I do think it makes sense that if the drug isn't making you feel good the first few weeks, you should switch.

The alternatives to lithium I have been offered in the last year are Lamictal, Depakote and Neurontin. But like I said the whole diagnosis of BPD is questionable and at this moment of time the anxiety is what needs to be addressed for me.
I feel better taking Prozac because it is working and because it has been around for a while. Lamictal was only recently approved for BPD. I'd just suggest doing as much research as possible. Like a lot of people say here, treatment is not an exact science and people are trying new things all the time.

Sara



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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277334.html