Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 14313
Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Abby on October 31, 1999, at 14:21:03
Because I was concerned about some mild bipolar tendencies, I got a psychiatrist to prescribe me a mood stabilizer in addition to 100mg of zoloft (and now an extra 25 mg at night). She prescribed 300mg of lithium.
These were my concerns whixh led me to think that I might have problems: 1.) I have a mother with manic-depression and my paternal grandmother is manic-depressive. Plus my father is alcoholic. 2.)A marked seasonal worsening, although I haven't tried going off of antidepressant in summer, likely to be anxious--even if not depressed mood.
A not psychotic, but mystical experience very similar to Janice's, and I definitely need structure.
My Mother was evaluated and depakote suggested, though she won't take it, and has mostly mixed mania. Since depression preceded hypomania, would one of the anticonvulsants have been a bette choice. True lithium augmentation is better studied.Here's my real question. She prescribed only 300 mg, and said that at that level I didn't need to get blood tests. Is this true?
Second, at such a low dose should I still be sure to avoid ibuprofen?
Thanks,
Abby
Posted by Noa on October 31, 1999, at 17:01:01
In reply to Questions about lithium augmentation of sertraline, posted by Abby on October 31, 1999, at 14:21:03
I don't know, but for what it is worth, my pdoc had me get blood tests and EKG in anticipation of possibly starting low dose of lithium to augment effexor and serzone.
Posted by Abby on October 31, 1999, at 18:59:06
In reply to Re: Questions about lithium augmentation of sertraline, posted by Noa on October 31, 1999, at 17:01:01
> I don't know, but for what it is worth, my pdoc had me get blood tests and EKG in anticipation of possibly starting low dose of lithium to augment effexor and serzone.
Thanks for the info Noa.
Just for starters, I had an ekg stress test a couple of years ago, because I was feeling dizzy, but it came up normal as did all neurologic tests. I'm only 24, BTW.
My blood tests always come up normal. liver, kidney and thyroid--no problems. Really, the question is whether I need to get serum concentration or whatever.
IBUPROFEN--why is this bad? Is it a problem at a very low dose?--Abby
Posted by Bob on October 31, 1999, at 20:06:56
In reply to Questions about lithium augmentation of sertraline, posted by Abby on October 31, 1999, at 14:21:03
Abby, my pdoc had me try lithium to augment first prozac then zoloft. I was at a pretty low level as well. My gp wanted the EKG and serum levels for a baseline, which is one really solid reason for having those tests done before you get too far withthe lithium. After that, he was never all that concerned. I went from 300 to 450 and finally to 600mg, and I just couldn't tolerate that extra 150. Even then, dropping back to 450 and how I tolerated that level was within the comfort range of my gp.
Hope that helps
Bob
Posted by Janice on October 31, 1999, at 22:50:37
In reply to Re: Questions about lithium augmentation of sertraline, posted by Bob on October 31, 1999, at 20:06:56
Hi Abby,
I'm on 600mg of lithium, which is a small amount for someone that is undoubtedly manic-depressive. When my blood is tested, I measure at 1 on the scale (can't remember the name of the scale), and .8 to 1.2 is considered the correct amount for a manic depressive. My doctors always seem a bit surprised that this small amount is therapeutic amount for me. I honestly don't know why; maybe it's because I do not weigh much (about 120 lbs).
As an augmentor, I don't see how 300 mg could be too much for an adult. My doctor seemed unsure as to test me for the 600mg. I had it tested myself while I was getting blood work done for something else.
I take the lithium with gingerroot for nausea. I wonder if most manic-depressives have mystical experiences. I have to say, everything any spirit has ever told me has always come true for me. I haven't spoken to any since I started the lithium. Janice. In the long run, I think it's better this way.
Posted by allison on November 4, 1999, at 16:40:27
In reply to Questions about lithium augmentation of sertraline, posted by Abby on October 31, 1999, at 14:21:03
I was prescribed 300mg last fall to augment Remeron. I had to get bloodwork and an ekg done before I was allowed to start lithium. Then bloodwork periodically after that. I couldn't tolerate it, and was off it by spring.
The warnings on my script vials said no ibuprophen, so I figured there must be a good reason and just switched to other pain relievers, although I think I recall my doctor saying that at such a low dose it wasn't really a problem. Why risk it, though?
Posted by allison on November 4, 1999, at 16:42:46
In reply to Re: Questions about lithium augmentation of sertraline, posted by allison on November 4, 1999, at 16:40:27
> I was prescribed 300mg last fall to augment Remeron.
Oops. Sorry. That was 600mg ... 300mg 2X a day.
Posted by levi on November 7, 1999, at 16:32:26
In reply to Re: Q. about lithium augmentation/correction, posted by allison on November 4, 1999, at 16:42:46
I don't know how much lithium has been studied in terms of augmenting sertraline, but here are a few thoughts: it was originally thought that small doses of lithium i.e. 300 mg qd would be sufficient to have an augmenting effect, but more studies have shown that higher doses i.e. 600-1200 are needed. what is nice about this augmentation stratedgy is that you can usually see results(if positive0 within two weeks)Good luck
Posted by Noa on November 7, 1999, at 19:35:14
In reply to Re: Q. about lithium augmentation/correction, posted by levi on November 7, 1999, at 16:32:26
I am starting to feel depressed again, and am thinking about whether my doc's suggested next move, to lithium, is needed. It scares me. I am on so many meds, do I just keep adding more and more as I get depressed? How does one determine whether to change a combo rather than just adding something to it?
Posted by Janice on November 7, 1999, at 20:12:06
In reply to Re: Q. about lithium augmentation/correction, posted by Noa on November 7, 1999, at 19:35:14
Hi Noa,
When something finally works, you should have no doubts to quit the other medications. Don't be nervous of lithium. Other than some acne (treated with anti-biotics) and nausea (treated with gingerroot), it's been fantastic! If you go on it, keep us informed as to whether you have any side effects, and hopefully we'll have some hints for you.
If being on so many medications bothers you, quit the ones that you know are not helping. take care, sorry to hear you're getting depressed again, Janice.
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