Posted by barbaracat on July 25, 2005, at 12:30:34
In reply to Re: Raving SSI and Li update » Sabino, posted by rod on July 25, 2005, at 6:10:09
I raised Li from 600 to 750mg a week ago and haven't noticed too much of a difference except my ongoing anxiety is a little lessened. However, one good unexpected side effect is that in raising it, I've committed to getting more exercise because I know from experience how Li affects weight gain. So I'm pushing myself to get out and walk for an hour every day, and as we all know, that's the best antidepressant going. It's just so difficult to motivate.
Sabino, if you're chipping off Lithium every hour or so, which sounds like a major pain, you might get better response with a non-extended release form. As soon as you cut into and breach the extended release mechanism, the med will get dumped into your bloodstream much faster and shorter duration than just the regular form. It would be like sucking on little pieces of candy that explode rather than melt in your mouth.
I have problems metabolizing many meds and try to go around the oral route if at all possible. I suspect many bipolars have tweaky metabolic systems. So many other issues play into it as well such as the state of your digestive system.
As an extreme example, I take daily shots of human growth hormone for fibromyalgia but don't mind it one bit. If I could get all my meds in injectable form I'd go for it in a heartbeat cause I know I'd be getting them. But not everyone is happy with the thought of needles. I also use sublingual drops and creams for other meds wherever available.
It might be worth talking to a compounding pharmacy about putting it into other delivery systems besides oral/digestive. You might find sublingual drops, transdermal creams, long release patches and such a better bet. Perhaps if it bypasses the liver and digestive system it would have a better chance for bioavailability. If you're having problems like this with other meds, you can get them combined into an alternate delivery system.
Women's International Pharmacy is one of the oldest and most comprehensive around. They work with men and women and their pharmacy staff is very helpful and willing to brainstorm with you. Their number is 800-279-5708.
- Barbara
poster:barbaracat
thread:527198
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050723/msgs/533233.html