Posted by Squiggles on February 6, 2007, at 19:35:58
In reply to Re: Lithium is underused as an antidepressant, posted by notfred on February 6, 2007, at 18:48:26
> The problem with Lithium is the therapeutic and toxic levels are really really close to each other.
> Thus the requirement for regular testing, which makes it less popular as a first line med for depression.That *is* the received wisdom and yes lithium
is one of the drugs which becomes toxic once physical circumstances allow the drug to increase without elimination; however, it is not the only drug that has cerebral consequences such as malignant serotonin syndrome, and neuroleptic syndrome, and coma, etc.-- many ADs have this power to reach dangerous levels. I think there is some pharmacological folk wisdom with the lithium which has stayed with us. One good thing about the lithium toxicity, is that it is more gradual than defined in this "narrow therapeutic index" label, and you *can* feel it going toxic-- at least if you are an experienced and educated lithium taker (from the brochures and dr.'s advice).Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:729939
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070201/msgs/730590.html