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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SheilaC on January 11, 2011, at 9:14:41
I have added a low dose of Lithium to my meds and it has lifted me out of my depression. Back when I tried 600mg it MADE me depressed - too flat.
So, I am wondering how Lithium works? Does it effect serotonin or other brain chemicals? What brain chemicals does it effect?
It may be that it is augmenting my Geodon. Geodon has been good to me, but has not helped completely with depression.
So far, so good. The only thing is that I am more thirsty (like I've eaten salt) and sleep more (probably just getting used to change in meds).
Thanks for the info.
Posted by mrtook on January 11, 2011, at 9:26:21
In reply to Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by SheilaC on January 11, 2011, at 9:14:41
My understanding is that no one knows exactly how it works! There are several interesting hypothesizes...
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2011, at 12:15:48
In reply to Re: Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by mrtook on January 11, 2011, at 9:26:21
Got to read your link as it's a natural occurring salt also isn't it? Probably on your link. Phillipa
Posted by morgan miller on January 11, 2011, at 13:15:11
In reply to Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by SheilaC on January 11, 2011, at 9:14:41
How low is your dose?
I think the thirst and dehydration will go away for the most part.
I believe enhanced serotonin output is mostly responsible for Lithium's antidepressant action.
Posted by SheilaC on January 11, 2011, at 15:57:46
In reply to Re: Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by morgan miller on January 11, 2011, at 13:15:11
> How low is your dose?
>
> I think the thirst and dehydration will go away for the most part.
>
> I believe enhanced serotonin output is mostly responsible for Lithium's antidepressant action.Interesting that you mention serotonin, because that is the chemical I feel I have been missing. I've been taking Geodon for sometime and before that Seroquel, while they helped with mania, they didn't really boost my mood like a SSRI or SNRI. But since I don't do well on those meds I am finding 300mg of Lithium has dug me out of my dark hole that I have been in for so long. I have been hoping that Adderall would boost my mood. No luck, it just boost my energy then I crash.
By adding back a small dose of Lithium my depression has lifted.
I know it's a small dose, but at higher doses (600mg) I got depressed. Same thing happened with Depakote - a little helps, but a more "therapeutic dose" made me flat and depressed.
I wonder if my reaction to low dose meds could have something to do with my slow metabolism of meds. An old doc told me it was slow and probably had to do with the way my liver metabolizes meds. Probably hereditary I guess.
Oh well, it works.
Posted by morgan miller on January 19, 2011, at 23:20:53
In reply to Morgan Miller - Re: Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by SheilaC on January 11, 2011, at 15:57:46
Hey Sheila, how's it going lately?
Posted by SheilaC on January 20, 2011, at 10:47:21
In reply to Re: Morgan Miller - Re: Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by morgan miller on January 19, 2011, at 23:20:53
> Hey Sheila, how's it going lately?
Thanks for asking. I finally saw doc yesterday and she got on to me about trying out different meds on my own! Oh well.
This is what she wants me to do:
1mg Klonopin and small dose of Prozac in the morning
1mg of Klonopin and 60mg of Geodon at dinner
I had to totally drop the Adderall. Any stimulant sends me over the edge and makes me manic and irritable.I got the same old reaction from Lithium. Great for the first few days and after 5 days I didn't get ANY antidepressant action from it. It just made me feel flat.
So, I will stick with what the doc has said and I see her again in 2 weeks to see how I am.
Maybe the small dose of prozac will help the lingering depression. She gave me liquid prozac since I have been so med sensitive in the past.
Posted by morgan miller on January 22, 2011, at 1:58:57
In reply to Re: Morgan Miller - Re: Brain Chemicals + Lithium, posted by SheilaC on January 20, 2011, at 10:47:21
Oh well, at least you gave it a shot.
Good luck with the low dose prozac. Feel better!
Morgan
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