Posted by Roslynn on March 19, 2012, at 16:21:07
In reply to Re: To SLS: lithium question please » Roslynn, posted by SLS on March 17, 2012, at 13:01:17
Dear Scott,
Thank you so much for helping me figure this out!
> My initial reaction is to say that you are not experiencing a rebound depression due to a decrease in lithium dosage. Too much time has passed since you made the change. It is possible that you are experiencing side effects from the increase in Anafranil dosage. Unfortunately, it would be difficult to be certain that you are not relapsing at this juncture. You should have a better idea during this next week as you might see a more obvious trend in how you are feeling. It does resemble relapse, but give things a bit more time. You might need to increase the lithium or perhaps look to Lamictal as an augmenter to treat depression. Are you experiencing more anxiety than usual?
Scott, I agree with what you say above. I think I am going to ask my pdoc to raise me back up to 450mg using an additional script of Li 150mg ER to add to my lithobid 300mg.
To answer your questions, I am experiencing more panic than usual. Oh, and I have tried lamictal which gave me more cognitive problems than any other drug ever.
> What is your diagnosis?
I have atypical depression. Most of the pdocs I've seen do not think I have bipolar.
> How did you come upon being treated with lithium?In the late 80s, I took it to boost prozac. This was successful.
> What was your maximum dosage of lithium?
Can't get above 600 now, though in 1989 I apparently got up to 900mg, but was a lot younger then.
> In what ways did lithium help you?
It may stop my mood from sliding down too far. Hard to tell without going off it completely, but I can't risk that.
> Why did you reduce the dosage of lithium?
Trying to increase my cognitive abilities by taking less meds. Also weight gain...
> What dosage of Anafranil does your doctor plan to make the target?I don't know. In the past I had a hard time tolerating anything about 50mg.
Thank you!
Roslynn
poster:Roslynn
thread:1013292
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120316/msgs/1013459.html