Posted by BPPsychFellow on July 2, 2008, at 21:40:57
In reply to Long term lithium, posted by sandwich shy on July 2, 2008, at 21:14:04
> I have just started lithium about 2 months ago and was wondering if anyone could tell me about the efficacy of taking it long term. I can't actually get a diagnosis but several that have been suggested are PTSD, depression, agoraphobia, anti social personality disorder. The Lithium has gotten rid of anger outbursts 100% at 900 mg per day but my doc says my blood levels are not high enough and upped me to 1200mg today. I am nervous enough about ingesting heavy metals on purpose but a sound reason for increasing the dose when I have already received the benefit escapes me. Thanks
We have years and years of experience using lithium. Doctors, particularly in bipolar disorder, know that a certain blood level is needed in order for the treatment to be most effective--both in the short and long term. Having said that, low-dose lithium can also be a great medication. Its often used to help with unipolar depression when standard medicines need a little "boost."
At low doses there are often only very mild (or NO) side effects. There are a lot of people out there who have taken lithium, every day, for years--even decades. Patty Duke, an award winning actress has taken lithium since the 1980's.
Speak with your doctor about your concerns. Best of luck.
Regards, BPPsychFellow
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thread:837754
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080626/msgs/837758.html