Posted by Flipsactown on February 5, 2004, at 1:47:41
In reply to Re: lithium sharpens my mind, posted by ramsea on February 3, 2004, at 4:35:44
Francesco,
I have been on lithium currently at 300mg for 3 weeks and I do feel it helping some in relieving my unipolar depression but not anything spectacular. I know it is probabably too soon to tell if lithium will be the magic bullet. I am also taking lamictal, remeron and prozac. How long did it take before you felt the lithium working and at what dose? Thanks. Hope it continues to work for you.
Flipsactown
> It sounds to me like you may need to seriously stop taking meds. You would know if it helped. I was so ill and confused with Mixed Episodes of Mania and Depression at the same time that I could not continue to live. I am an artist and writer and my intellect/creativity is very important to me. During my long period of illness without correct medication I was unable to work or communicate with others. I was effectively stupified. But it wasn't the drugs. Except for trials of antidepressants which made me lethargic, gain massive amounts of weight and start rapid cycling. I am bipolar---I don't need a definition, it is so obvious to me and people who know me, who call me manic depressive as a tease even if they don't know I have the actual diagnosis.
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> When I started the lithium the heavy polluted clouds in my brain cleared and there was a lovely day to see and explore. I have been given my life back. It isn't perfect, but it is possible---and before lithium it was not possible to go on anymore. Lithium insn't for everyone. Don't take it if you don't want to. But for me I can't tell I am taking anything---my mind is not dulled, I still have strong feelings, and I haven't been tis creative and communicative in years. It's also possible tha some lithium trials fail because the pdoc seeks to high a blood level according to the book and not the reactions of the individual. Some of us need less--we are very med sensitive. Some of us need more. But too much, even if you don't get toxic, could well make you feel zonked. I felt like that on Tegretal. Just wiped out. Bt lithoum has been an angel so far (knock on all handy pieces of wood).
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poster:Flipsactown
thread:308248
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040204/msgs/309619.html