Posted by SLS on June 14, 2005, at 7:44:19
In reply to Lithium Carbonate 450 mg timed release - stopping?, posted by bordendazed on June 13, 2005, at 12:05:50
> Been on this for about 4 months, and aside from having to pee 3 times a nite and not being as morose (or giddy), I am thinking of dscontinuing it. Yes, I will talk to my Dr., but want some insughts.
>
> Can you split and quarter these pills?
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> Whate rate of taper?
>
> The underlying reason for prescribing was for Adult Narcissism, and to 'boost' the fluoxetine (20 mg) that has seemed to be loosing it's punch in the past 13 years. However there's no "magic" in it and the getting up to pee all the time is a pain in the whatever...
>
> Comments anyone?
>You can taper lithium very quickly if you are not benefiting from it. You can practically stop taking it all at once. What I would love for you to do is post what were your doctor's recommendations once you see him. Ask him why he chooses to taper in the manner he recommends. It would be good information for us to see here at PB.
If lithium has been working for a long time, and one decides to discontinue it, it is VERY important to taper it as gradually as possible. This will help prevent triggering a relapse. The statistics regarding lithium taper are stunning, with rapid tapers causing relapse in a much higher percentage of people than a gradual taper.
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:512012
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/512466.html