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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by McPac on February 29, 2004, at 22:13:32
I'm currently taking 600 mg of lithium daily. I'd like to increase my dose slightly but lithium gives me bad diarrhea at higher doses. I'd thought about taking 600 mg's one day and then 900 mg's the next day, alternating like that. But when trying that before, diarrhea did become a problem. So, could this be done: Mon. 600 mg, Tues. again 600 mg, Wed. 900 mg, and so on taking 900 mg every THIRD day? Would I experience withdrawal effects from taking the 900 mg and then taking only 600 mg's the following 2 days? If anybody can answer this, thank you very much!!!
Posted by Metalblade on February 29, 2004, at 22:50:39
In reply to Lithium question, posted by McPac on February 29, 2004, at 22:13:32
I don't know if you would experience withdrawal or not because I have never tried to quit lithium. I do know that the diarrhea will go away in about a week of increasing your dose. You just have to be patient and wait it out. My doc increased my lithium from 600mg a day to 1200mg a day and I got diarrhea and a slight upset stomach for about 3 days but it went away completely.
Posted by CindyLou on March 1, 2004, at 15:13:41
In reply to Re: Lithium question, posted by Metalblade on February 29, 2004, at 22:50:39
Can I ask how long you've been on Lithium? Just curious. I am just starting it and feeling better, hoping that I can tolerate it long-term.
Thanks.
> I don't know if you would experience withdrawal or not because I have never tried to quit lithium. I do know that the diarrhea will go away in about a week of increasing your dose. You just have to be patient and wait it out. My doc increased my lithium from 600mg a day to 1200mg a day and I got diarrhea and a slight upset stomach for about 3 days but it went away completely.
Posted by Toph on March 2, 2004, at 12:20:30
In reply to Lithium question, posted by McPac on February 29, 2004, at 22:13:32
McPac, I, too, am sensitive to Lithium as far as diarrhea goes. I take 900 mgs Lithobid which gives me a serum Li of .6 - .7 which is very effective in preventing depression or mania. If I miss a dose or two and then resume the regular dose I get diarrhea. Dehydration can cause this too. If you are sensitive I am not sure that changing your dose from day to day is the best course. Your body never gets stabilized.
Posted by Metalblade on March 2, 2004, at 19:59:03
In reply to Re: Lithium question, posted by Toph on March 2, 2004, at 12:20:30
> McPac, I, too, am sensitive to Lithium as far as diarrhea goes. I take 900 mgs Lithobid which gives me a serum Li of .6 - .7 which is very effective in preventing depression or mania. If I miss a dose or two and then resume the regular dose I get diarrhea. Dehydration can cause this too. If you are sensitive I am not sure that changing your dose from day to day is the best course. Your body never gets stabilized.
I agree with Toph completly.
This is the end of the thread.
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