Posted by dragonblack on May 16, 2011, at 20:56:39
In reply to Re: How many are taking low-dose lithium? » floatingbridge, posted by SLS on May 16, 2011, at 9:20:15
I'm new to lithium, I've only been on it for 2 months, but I've been reading a lot about it. While titrating up, I've concluded that, for myself, I think I will be sticking with the regular form, rather than seeking the ER form, as well as once nightly dosing, regardless of doseage, as long as I can tolerate it.
Jim Phelps's site makes mention of single dosing resulting in a slight reduction in the risk of kidney problems. I also came across a medical text in google books (can't remember what) which reviewed Lithium studies and advocated once nightly dosing. The reasons stated were: 1) compliance was increased over split dosing, while preserving the mood stabilizing effect; 2) side effects were mitigated by virtue of the fact that peak plasma levels occurred in subjects' sleep, side effects were heaviest in the morning, a more "convenient" time, for most people, and thereafter lessened in severity during the day. 3) Finally, with once daily dosing, there is a reduced incidence of kidney problems, likely stemming from the fact that there is a window of time prior to the next dose (18-24 hours after a nightly dose) during which the kidneys get a reprieve, and such "rest" does not occur with split dosing.
poster:dragonblack
thread:985426
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110515/msgs/985493.html