Posted by SLS on January 22, 2005, at 10:40:28
In reply to Re: Lowest meaningful lithium level » Ritch, posted by tensor on January 21, 2005, at 16:02:37
> Hi,
>
> thanks for you reply. Based on your experience, would it be wise to wait another week or two? Or do you think i would have gained the energy and lift in mood already at this dose? I think the lithium level will stay in the 0.2-0.3 range with 600mg. As i wrote earlier, i do have slightly more energy now, but i'm very unsure wheather i should stay at 600mg or go up to 900mg.
>
> Thanks,
> Mattias
There is only one way to be sure that you are getting the most from lithium, and that is to experiment. If you are adding lithium as an adjunct to antidepressants in the absence of bipolar disorder, the range seems to be 300-600mg. For bipolar disorder, the range tends to be higher. However, blood levels of lithium to treat bipolar disorder are well established (.08-1.2 mEq/L). This is not the case with unipolar affective disorder. I think the dosage of lithium for unipolar depression must be titrated clinically. You might yet squeeze out a better response at 900mg. If it were me, I think I would hang out at 600mg for at least two weeks and get a feel as to how robust your response is. Then, you will have something to compare it to at 900mg. As Mitch said, you might not have anything to gain at 900mg. In fact, you might notice a flattening of mood at that dosage. Again, the only way to be sure is to titrate the dosage clinically.Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:445146
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050119/msgs/445677.html