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Re: Lithium - days to reach a steady blood level

Posted by Polarbear206 on January 24, 2007, at 12:09:43

In reply to Lithium - days to reach a steady blood level, posted by Jimmyboy on January 24, 2007, at 10:32:22

>
> Does anyone know how many days at a certain dose you need to reach a steady blood level?
>
>
> - PS - I have been on Lithium for 3 weeks and it has had a major antidepressant effect, when nothing else has, is this uncommon b/c I always hear people reccommending Lamictal for bipolar depression and saying Lithium is only good for mania prevention..

Dosages vary widely with this drug. Full beneficial drug effects may not be noted for 6-10 days after increases. Blood levels are usually done 1-2 x's a week during initial therapy, and monthly thereafter on blood drawn 8-12 hours after dosage. Serum levels in therapeutic range are 0.4-1.0. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. Many people benifit from Lithium who are not having full blown mania as in BP-I. It is known to be effective and have AD properties. Many people just can't tolerate the side effects when there blood levels are in range. You might be able to stay in a sub-therapeutic range with a decent response if you can't tolerate the side effect. I don't want to scare you or anything. Many people too do very well.

Polarbear


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poster:Polarbear206 thread:725918
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070119/msgs/725950.html