![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by aunt on November 16, 2001, at 13:57:43
Hi, I have a friend who is taking lithium for her bipolar disorder. Recently she has experienced 3 car accidents, and she suspects that they happened because the lithium she is taking decreases her alertness.
Is this a possibility? I know lithium can cause sedation, and I have done some research on the Internet in this regard.
What are the recommended courses of action this person could take? Obviously, she should do something (adjust her dosage, or try another medication, such as depakote) Stopping driving is not an option for her, because she has to drive as part of her work, and work is essential for her recovery.
Any feedback or suggestions much appreciated,
Yours
Aunt
Posted by JohnX2 on November 17, 2001, at 2:41:48
In reply to Lithium troubles-and car accidents, posted by aunt on November 16, 2001, at 13:57:43
absolutely possible the lithium is causing
motor relex slowing. And dangerous.
It should be pretty clear to your friend if
the lithium is impairing her motor reflexes.
She *must* address this if it is causing
danger operating machinery. She should discuss
this with her pdoc. BTW, How are her driving
skills in general? Does she have a prior
history of car accidents?regards,
-john
> Hi, I have a friend who is taking lithium for her bipolar disorder. Recently she has experienced 3 car accidents, and she suspects that they happened because the lithium she is taking decreases her alertness.
>
> Is this a possibility? I know lithium can cause sedation, and I have done some research on the Internet in this regard.
>
> What are the recommended courses of action this person could take? Obviously, she should do something (adjust her dosage, or try another medication, such as depakote) Stopping driving is not an option for her, because she has to drive as part of her work, and work is essential for her recovery.
>
> Any feedback or suggestions much appreciated,
>
> Yours
>
> Aunt
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.