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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by David on August 15, 1998, at 0:57:48
I have been taking 900mg Eskalith (lithium) for a couple months now. I have been reading up on drinking but I seem to be finding contradictory information. If anyone has any insight on this topic I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank You
Posted by Toby on August 19, 1998, at 10:24:21
In reply to Eskalith and alcohol, posted by David on August 15, 1998, at 0:57:48
Alcohol increases the blood level of lithium in part due to direct effects on the blood and in part due to dehydration. Since you've been reading about it, you already know the dangers of lithium toxicity.
If you are taking the lithium for bipolar disorder rather than to augment an antidepressant, you need to know that moderate amounts of alcohol can trigger hypomania and large quantities can cause depression. In bipolar alcoholic patients, lithium may reduce alcohol consumption by controlling mania, but won't do much for depression (need an antidepressant for that).
Posted by DR. Frank Crumly Dallas Texas. on March 22, 1999, at 15:07:37
In reply to Re: Eskalith and alcohol, posted by Toby on August 19, 1998, at 10:24:21
> Alcohol increases the blood level of lithium in part due to direct effects on the blood and in part due to dehydration. Since you've been reading about it, you already know the dangers of lithium toxicity.
> If you are taking the lithium for bipolar disorder rather than to augment an antidepressant, you need to know that moderate amounts of alcohol can trigger hypomania and large quantities can cause depression. In bipolar alcoholic patients, lithium may reduce alcohol consumption by controlling mania, but won't do much for depression (need an antidepressant for that).
>with Eskalith or Lithium you should always be careful not to take heroin or any codine based product. When doing something with codine in it the lithium melts your brain.
This is the end of the thread.
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