Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 509665

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Re: More newbie Lithium questions » barbaracat

Posted by Maximus on July 3, 2005, at 17:23:07

In reply to Re: More newbie Lithium questions » Sabino, posted by barbaracat on July 1, 2005, at 19:03:55

I would be the happiest man on earth if i was able to tolerate Remeron. No sexual side effects... But each time i took it i became a monster of rage, in spite being on Lithium. Weird.

 

Re: More newbie Lithium questions » Sabino

Posted by yesac on July 5, 2005, at 10:07:48

In reply to Re: More newbie Lithium questions, posted by Sabino on June 30, 2005, at 19:33:04

Have you ever had your lithium level checked? It might help to know what it is.

 

Re: More newbie Lithium questions

Posted by yesac on July 5, 2005, at 10:20:28

In reply to Re: More newbie Lithium questions » barbaracat, posted by Sabino on July 1, 2005, at 20:07:18


> I thought about killing myself more back then. The thought still crosses my mind daily. Seems like I've tried everything under the sun, and I feel just about at the end of my tether.


Me too. That's exactly how I feel.


> Gonna try upping the Lith to 600mgs over the long weekend. Any and all suggestions welcome.


I think it's a good idea (even though the long weekend is over now so you've probably already done it).

What happened with Effexor? I think that maybe you should try increasing your dose before giving up on it. Aren't you only taking 150?


As for me, I went down to 25mgs of Seroquel. I think that I still feel about the same as before, but less tired which is good. I've been feeling kind of badly for a couple weeks, but it doesn't seem like that's gotten worse since I reduced the Seroquel. I haven't slipped back to an agitated suicidal depressive wreck yet, so I guess that's good. I think that a lot of my gloom and depression lately is due to my life/problems. Also I've gotten pretty anxious and stressed lately, which might have something to do with reducing Seroquel, but also is because of certain things going on in my life.

I was on vacation until yesterday, when I flew back to where I live. It was hard to leave my family and return to my life, and then when I got home my apartment was infested with fleas. Still is. So that sucks.

 

In a helluva way - Yesac » barbaracat

Posted by Sabino on July 5, 2005, at 19:11:16

In reply to Re: More newbie Lithium questions » Sabino, posted by barbaracat on July 2, 2005, at 15:25:27

Things have really fallen apart the last couple of days. Here's what happened...

When I was pushing the Li up to 600 mgs, I felt cognitive dulling. Didn't feel that the first couple of days on Li.

So I backed off Li a good deal. I had stopped Remeron a few days ago too. Barb, I've gone off it cold turkey before with no problems too.

Finally, I had cut down on the Effexor some too, since it didn't really whip my depression.

Anyway, I've been back to work since last week, and not really doing a whole lot. Last week, I had classes, so didn't really have to do much. Today, in a smaller sort of class, a much more intimate environment, my utter lack of concentration was a real problem, and I was starting to get that panicky I have to get out of here feeling... so I did. It was already late afternoon, so I could probably come up with some lame excuse. But lame excuses only go so far. (Please don't redirect; I'm soliciting opinions on meds here).

I really don't feel up to doing that job anymore. I don't know what to do. Don't know whether to take more time off. Don't know whether to drop my meds, since they didn't improve anything. My concentration actually is worse than when I first took time off of work two months ago.

I actually wrote a farewell note to my son last night.

Geez, I'm blowing huge chunks of insecurity out my blowhole.

Barb - For some reason I remembered something you wrote about Remeron that really tickled my funny bone. The context was talking about Remeron induced constipation and you said you 'felt like you swallowed a cement pie'.

That still cracks me up.

Anyway, my current med regimen is not cutting it. Don't you feel like 9 weeks of Effexor is enough time? I do.

Now if somebody could tell me that the cognitive dulling that I experience on Lithium would abate, well I'd consider giving that a try again. Honestly, Li felt so wonderful the first day I took it. Why couldn't that have kept up?

I'm real whiny today, but some days with these stupid mental issues, a guy just feels cursed. Whaaa!

 

What's your current med regime? » yesac

Posted by Sabino on July 5, 2005, at 19:22:59

In reply to Re: More newbie Lithium questions, posted by yesac on July 5, 2005, at 10:20:28

Hi again. I was curious about what all your meds are. I know Lithium and Seroquel are in the mix. Do you take an AD too?

Oh, and I did take Effexor at 225 for at least three weeks. I'm completely confused about what to do.

Here's a funny thing about people that have the kinds of difficulties that we on this board do. Unless your really a ranting lunatic, other folks would never even realize you had issues.

I was visiting a dear friend who had a very manic episode and was hospitalized, and when I used to go visit, I'd meet some of the other folks in there too, and there was this one kid; just seemed like a nice young guy, and I couldn't imagine why he was in there, so I asked him. He was in there because he was depressed, and I wouldn't have even guessed that.

Often times I feel like my meds make me feel worse than my baseline state. I don't know. I probably shouldn't post when I'm feeling like this.

 

Re: In a helluva way - Yesac » Sabino

Posted by barbaracat on July 6, 2005, at 1:11:25

In reply to In a helluva way - Yesac » barbaracat, posted by Sabino on July 5, 2005, at 19:11:16

Geez, it sounds like things are really in the sh[*]thole - uh, I mean 'cement' hole for you. Sorry, but one must keep some sense of humor throughout this.

First of all, it sounds like you quit everything all at once. That in itself is going to put your brain through a wringer. When I'm going through a mind meltdown I simply cannot think. Stare at the same paragraph over and over, everything is slowed and feels broken. That's not to say that lithium isn't causing dulling, because it does for many people. But you did well on it at first and that's a very good sign. Usually the first couple days you know if it's going to work or not.

Could be that the combination of everything you were taking was working some good magic, but maybe not the best. I'll bet you need an antidepressant along with the lithium because it's clear you're going through a rough one. But perhaps something else. I can only go by my own experience. I hated Remeron after it pooped (it did, I did not), I hated Effexor. There weren't many I liked, however...

I love my current Cymbalta but only a small dose. I loved Zoloft. It worked the best when I was not yet taking lithium and nothing else worked. I recall you said you might give it a try. Why don't you and see if it doesn't do the trick. It's very smooth, not activating and although you may feel like you need something activating for a little cognitive zip, I'll bet once the depression gets lifted you'll find yourself thinking clearly and have alot more interest in everything.

Just today I realized 'Hey, I'm interested in things again. Everything holds a certain fascination that makes me want to keep at it.' How lovely because when I was so depressed nothing held any interest, everything was overwhelming and futile. I still have bad days but no big deal. I've found both a med combo that works - finally - and am in a good place in my life - finally. Once you start feeling better you'll probably be motivated to get more exercise, eat and sleep better and stuff. Very helpful, but almost impossible when you're brain is on duh control!

Keep trying. It won't take long. Your synapses are basically fried so no wonder you can't think. Who could? God put molecules on this earth for good reasons and there are just the right ones with your name on it - Mr. Yesac! Probably not a good idea to quit the lithium. Maybe 450mg is all you need to keep from skidding until you're more stable with an AD, but if you do need it and just quit - whoo boy, I've been there too many times and it ain't recommended. Also, don't ramp up too fast with whatever AD you go with. Lithium tends to augment them and if you are bipolar, go real slow for a while. The hardest thing is to have patience when you're so uncomfortable and feel like there's no hope anyway, but there is and you can do it. I used to think of Frodo carrying the Ring 'I will carry this thing though I do not know the way'. Now, if he had Zoloft he probably wouldn't have gotten so strange on that journey, but then there wouldn't have been the book or movie either. It's this kind of sh*t that makes you brave.

My thoughts and good wishes are on their way to you. - Barbara

 

Re: In a helluva way » Sabino

Posted by yesac on July 6, 2005, at 10:49:27

In reply to In a helluva way - Yesac » barbaracat, posted by Sabino on July 5, 2005, at 19:11:16


> When I was pushing the Li up to 600 mgs, I felt cognitive dulling. Didn't feel that the first couple of days on Li.

That's what happened to me when I tried going up to 900. I started to feel really spaced out and I didn't like it. So I went back down to 600.

> Finally, I had cut down on the Effexor some too, since it didn't really whip my depression.

I can understand going off. It seems like you've given it a good trial. I think I went up to 300mgs on Effexor, and I stayed on it for several months, but it never did anything. At some point, you just have to accept that you've given the drugs a good chance to work and they haven't. Often I wonder about if I should stay on things longer or go up to a higher dose and then maybe they'll work. It's hard to know, and it sucks to waste time and money on a drug that doesn't do anything.

> I really don't feel up to doing that job anymore. I don't know what to do. Don't know whether to take more time off. Don't know whether to drop my meds, since they didn't improve anything. My concentration actually is worse than when I first took time off of work two months ago.


What is your job, if you don't mind me asking? I think if they'll let you take more time off, why not? It seems like you could use it right now. I feel very similar to you because I am supposed to go back to school in the fall, and I've been trying to decide whether to take a semester off. I keep going back and forth on that. I don't know what to do.

> I actually wrote a farewell note to my son last night.

I've written those notes to my family many times.


> Now if somebody could tell me that the cognitive dulling that I experience on Lithium would abate, well I'd consider giving that a try again. Honestly, Li felt so wonderful the first day I took it. Why couldn't that have kept up?


I don't think that the dulling abates unfortunately. I think that you just have to reduce your dose. But couldn't you go back to 450 or whatever you were on? It seems like it had some benefit, even if not the best. You don't have to go off it altogether.


I think that you should stay on the lith, forget about Effexor, I don't know about Remeron.... but like Barb said, maybe look into adding something new, an antidepressant. That's what I'm planning to do... see my other post.

I definitely know what it's like to feel hopeless and desperate about meds and about life. I feel for you because it sounds like you're going through a rough time and have to make some decisions about stuff. IN fact, I feel like our situations are quite similar. Please don't give up yet.... Remember that just a few weeks ago you WERE feeling a little bit better, maybe not awesome, but better. You can get there again, and hopefully even better than that. We have to cling to these hopes and moments of sanity when we feel so down.

 

Re: What's your current med regime? » Sabino

Posted by yesac on July 6, 2005, at 11:22:26

In reply to What's your current med regime? » yesac, posted by Sabino on July 5, 2005, at 19:22:59

> Hi again. I was curious about what all your meds are. I know Lithium and Seroquel are in the mix. Do you take an AD too?


Right now all I'm taking are Seroquel 25mgs and lithium 600mgs. I'm not happy with it though. As I mentioned I just went down on the Seroquel, but I still feel this tiredness. I don't know if I should go back up but try reducing the lithium, or try reducing the lithium and staying at 25 of Seroquel. I'm afraid to go off Seroquel altogether.

I had been taking Cymbalta for about 5 or 6 months, but decided it wasn't helping anything and stopped in mid May.

So now I am looking for an antidepressant and/or something for attention. I haven't had much luck with stimulants or antidepressants. I've been thinking about Strattera and Zoloft. But every time I see my psychiatrist, I sort of don't feel quite ready to take on a new drug. I've just gone through so many med trials and I'm so sick of all of it that the idea of starting something new is not enticing, especially given that it probably won't work. And I don't want to deal with new side effects, especially because I'm about to start an internship.

But I'm pretty depressed and just overall don't feel too good, so I feel like I need something else.

> Here's a funny thing about people that have the kinds of difficulties that we on this board do. Unless your really a ranting lunatic, other folks would never even realize you had issues.


Well I think that's good, don't you? I don't want other people to realize, although I think sometimes it makes people less understanding (like my family for example-- don't realize the full depth of my desperation and despair), or it could allow people to make insensitive comments. Yeah, mostly my meltdowns are when I'm all alone by myself and the only ones who witness the height of my craziness are my kitties (and sometimes my psychiatrist).

But the other thing is, I think there's something wrong with our culture in that it's so not okay to have *issues*. And it's especially not okay to talk about them. That's why we have to come to this board, don't you think? Sure it's good for information, but I think that a lot of what people like about it is the anonymity. It's easier to talk when no one knows you, and when you feel pretty sure that most people have similar issues. But I'm in a group therapy thing right now (which I hate and want to quit, by the way)... and there, even though presumably everyone else has issues, I don't like talking about my craziness, not face to face with people.

The other problem is that because issues are so hidden in our culture, I tend to delude myself into thinking that I'm the only one with problems, everyone I see seems to have a great life and they're so happy and I feel like the only miserable one alive.


> Often times I feel like my meds make me feel worse than my baseline state.


I definitely think they can. Not always, but sometimes. If the side effects outweigh the benefits then of course you feel worse.

 

Re: What's your current med regime? » yesac

Posted by barbaracat on July 6, 2005, at 23:23:54

In reply to Re: What's your current med regime? » Sabino, posted by yesac on July 6, 2005, at 11:22:26

Have you ever tried Wellbutrin? It doesn't work for me, too activating, but it's helped my husband very much. He is not bipolar. His depressions leave him fatigued, cognitively dulled and unmotivated - wanting to distract, hide, split the scene.

WB is also indicated for ADD symptoms. As I said, it didn't work for me but I've heard it works well for many who don't otherwise benefit from the typical SSRI type AD. Plus, sexual side effects are muy bueno.

 

Wellbutrin » barbaracat

Posted by yesac on July 7, 2005, at 10:42:36

In reply to Re: What's your current med regime? » yesac, posted by barbaracat on July 6, 2005, at 23:23:54

> Have you ever tried Wellbutrin?
>
> WB is also indicated for ADD symptoms. As I said, it didn't work for me but I've heard it works well for many who don't otherwise benefit from the typical SSRI type AD. Plus, sexual side effects are muy bueno.


WB was actually the very first AD that I tried. Didn't work. Then, several years later I tried it again because the shrink I was seeing wasn't sure if I had really given it a good trial (even though I had been on it previously for about 3 months, probably at 300mgs). The second time, it still didn't work after 4 months, 400mgs.

So then, just last February, knowing that it is used for ADD and feeling like my ADD symptoms were extremely bothersome, I tried it yet again. I was only on it for a few days when I had a complete meltdown, worse than anything I've ever experienced. Still, I stayed on it for a couple more weeks, but continued having these bizarre meltdowns. Finally I went off it. I think that since I was also taking Cymbalta, the combo was just too much for me. The addition of WB to Cymbalta seemed to totally send me over the edge of sanity. Those few weeks were when I felt like I had truly lost my mind, more than any other time in my life.

So unfortunately, I don't know if I can take WB. I've still been considering it though--- I can't help but wonder if MAYBE it could work now combined with lithium and not being on Cymbalta. I used to think if something doesn't work, it doesn't work, but over the past months, I've realized (and experienced) that combinations of drugs can really work differently than the same drugs by themselves.

 

Re: Wellbutrin » yesac

Posted by barbaracat on July 7, 2005, at 13:33:23

In reply to Wellbutrin » barbaracat, posted by yesac on July 7, 2005, at 10:42:36

Whoa! Cymbalta, Wellbutrin and no Lithium? I shudder to think. When I first started Cymbalta it was at 30mg and even though I was taking Lithium I swear I have never been so out in orbit, hallucinating, bizarre, truly terrible. I had also just come out of the hospital from major meltdown, was taken off lithium and put on depakote briefly, all my chemistry was bonkers so I wasn't sure at the time what was doing what. The fact that I'd just started back on lithium at that time also made it unclear. So I stuck with Cymbalta but started taking 3 pellets instead of the whole 30mg capsule, titrating slowly until I am now at 10mg after 5 months.

I tell you this, first of all to emphasize the crazy making nature Cymbalta has on some of us, and secondly that I believe LIthium will change the action of ADs. Cymbalta at 10mgs is the best AD I've ever had, but I believe, only because Lithium is augmenting it and allowing appropriate neural conductivity. I cannot imagine taking something like Cym without a mood stabilizer and I can't imagine going up more than 5 pellets a week.

Too many of us take too strong a dose of neuro-chemicals and when they poop or are ineffective, we ramp up even more. The problem may have more to do with gene transcription, second messenger systems and electrical potential in the neuron that the amount of chemicals floating around in the synapses, too much of which can cause problems of excess.

I've been watcing webcasts from the UCLA school of neurochemistry. These webcasts feature luminaries in the field of bipolar research. All are good, but the one by Dr. Manji explains the beauty and magic of what lithium does for bipolars. Here's the link if you want to explore:

http://www.bipolargrandrounds.com/archived.html

An important point is that if your condition is even vaguely bipolar, there are neural events occurring that no amount of antidepressants, stimulants, benzos, will work for long. From my own research, I realize that what Lithium and to a lesser extent, Depakote, provides actually CORRECT these neural anomolies and degeneration and allow the brain to function both chemically and electrically. In effect, Li is neuroprotective and neuroregenerative, grows new neurons, heals damaged ones, and compensates for quirky genes. And it seems to have these properties only for bipolars but not ALL bipolars. Dr. Manji also said bipolar disorder is hands down the most fascinating pathology ever to come along. How one disorder can present the vast array of disparate symptoms is staggering. So strange, but so much more understandable why, if we need what Lithium provides and don't take it, we have a very difficult time indeed.

I recently tried an experiment to wean off lithium. LIke all of us, I frequently wonder if I need this sh*t, if I can do it myself. Thank God I caught myself before my brain tangled too badly, because I could feel it disintegrating. Anyhow, for those of us for whom Lithium works, we are truly lucky. Watching that webcast may help you appreciate this fact and keep enough Li onboard to help augment and stabilize other meds you might be considering.

One more thing. I'm starting a trial month of Concerta because of my own cognitive issues. My pdoc said ADD is so common with bipolar that you might as well figure you've got it and see if treatment helps. I know you've been having concerns about cog dulling. It may be possible that Lithium is not causing the dulling but uncovering, bringing to the surface a coexisting condition. And if you've cold-turkeyed on Effexor, cognitive issues would certainly be in your stars for the next few weeks. - Barbara

> > Have you ever tried Wellbutrin?
> >
> > WB is also indicated for ADD symptoms. As I said, it didn't work for me but I've heard it works well for many who don't otherwise benefit from the typical SSRI type AD. Plus, sexual side effects are muy bueno.
>
>
> WB was actually the very first AD that I tried. Didn't work. Then, several years later I tried it again because the shrink I was seeing wasn't sure if I had really given it a good trial (even though I had been on it previously for about 3 months, probably at 300mgs). The second time, it still didn't work after 4 months, 400mgs.
>
> So then, just last February, knowing that it is used for ADD and feeling like my ADD symptoms were extremely bothersome, I tried it yet again. I was only on it for a few days when I had a complete meltdown, worse than anything I've ever experienced. Still, I stayed on it for a couple more weeks, but continued having these bizarre meltdowns. Finally I went off it. I think that since I was also taking Cymbalta, the combo was just too much for me. The addition of WB to Cymbalta seemed to totally send me over the edge of sanity. Those few weeks were when I felt like I had truly lost my mind, more than any other time in my life.
>
> So unfortunately, I don't know if I can take WB. I've still been considering it though--- I can't help but wonder if MAYBE it could work now combined with lithium and not being on Cymbalta. I used to think if something doesn't work, it doesn't work, but over the past months, I've realized (and experienced) that combinations of drugs can really work differently than the same drugs by themselves.
>
>

 

Re: Does anyone like lithium? » ed_uk

Posted by crazy teresa on July 9, 2005, at 1:43:07

In reply to Re: Does anyone like lithium? » crazyteresa, posted by ed_uk on June 29, 2005, at 21:14:49

> Hi!
>
> Can you try 450mg/day. It can be so much better when the dose is right :-)
>
> ~Ed

Thanks so much Ed, this is much better.

t

 

Re: Does anyone like lithium? » crazy teresa

Posted by ed_uk on July 9, 2005, at 7:16:41

In reply to Re: Does anyone like lithium? » ed_uk, posted by crazy teresa on July 9, 2005, at 1:43:07

Hi t,

Do you think it's helping? ........or is it simply a matter of it being less unpleasant than 900mg!?

~Ed

 

Re: Does anyone like lithium? » ed_uk

Posted by crazy teresa on July 10, 2005, at 12:59:12

In reply to Re: Does anyone like lithium? » crazy teresa, posted by ed_uk on July 9, 2005, at 7:16:41

> Hi t,
>
> Do you think it's helping? ........or is it simply a matter of it being less unpleasant than 900mg!?
>
> ~Ed


I don't know. I'm having a hard time sleeping most nights. I sleep on my stomach so my eyes are very puffy in the mornings. Shakes from effexor are more pronounced. Seems to have slowed me down.

How will I know? I know how to tell if the antidepressants are working--you feel less depressed. Am I supposed to feel less bipolar???

Thanks pal.

t

 

Re: Does anyone like lithium? » crazy teresa

Posted by ed_uk on July 10, 2005, at 15:32:10

In reply to Re: Does anyone like lithium? » ed_uk, posted by crazy teresa on July 10, 2005, at 12:59:12

Hi,

What symptoms was the lithium prescribed to treat? .......or was it prescribed to prevent mania?

~Ed

 

Re: Does anyone like lithium?

Posted by platinumbride on July 11, 2005, at 13:00:25

In reply to Does anyone like lithium?, posted by yesac on June 8, 2005, at 14:02:37

I've been on li for a year now. It was a little rough going at first with side effects, but all in all, it has been pretty teriffic for me.
The only time I was "mad" at it was when my body somehow acclamated to the doseage and I needed to take more to be in a therapeutic range.

My thyroid is in the danger zone, but if I have to supplement with armour or something, so be it.

One more thing:

My brother tolerated Li very well, and apparently that was a determining factor for my shrink......

Diane

 

Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspirin

Posted by Squiggles on July 11, 2005, at 15:46:15

In reply to Does anyone like lithium?, posted by yesac on June 8, 2005, at 14:02:37

> I've been noticing that a lot of people here seem to hate lithium. It seems like people have had really bad side effects or found it very dulling.
>
> As we all know, everyone's different.... but I am taking lithium now and I really don't mind it that much. My hands tremble, and I'm thirsty, and I think I've gained a few pounds.... but other than that it's really not a problem. And it seems to be one of the only drugs that actually works for me, and seems to help me more than anything else so far (even if the improvement is still rather minimal).
>
> I was just wondering if anyone else likes lithium? Okay, like is a strong word, but.... doesn't mind maybe?


I love lithium.

The problem with lithium is that we do not
have a li-detector as diabetics have meters.
There's a lot of whining that it is high
maintenance - it's not - two blood tests a year
would be all you need.

It's a miracle drug and should be respected.

Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri

Posted by ramsea on July 12, 2005, at 8:19:39

In reply to Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspirin, posted by Squiggles on July 11, 2005, at 15:46:15

I agree with Squiggles. Lithium isn't for everyone, but it works well for me. I don't feel dulled and my creativity and mental clarity are of great importance to me. It saved me from the hell of Mixed Mania.

 

Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspirin

Posted by Squiggles on July 12, 2005, at 9:07:26

In reply to Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri, posted by ramsea on July 12, 2005, at 8:19:39

> I agree with Squiggles. Lithium isn't for everyone, but it works well for me. I don't feel dulled and my creativity and mental clarity are of great importance to me. It saved me from the hell of Mixed Mania.

It's not without its faults -- the side effects are
bothersome, and the "narrow therapeutic index" can
make some doctors and patients squeamish, maybe
even downright scared. But I have never had a deadly reaction (as you can see :-)) and my dr. says I am always on the low side of the spectrum.
I think that reading about the dangerous side effects may have made influenced me.

Another thing about this drug, is that it may
take longer for some people to become stabilized
and they give it up.

As for mixed modes, I find it interesting that in my case it has always targeted and eliminiated
both psychotic depression and mental and motor
mania within at least a few hours and at most to
a day to a few days. Remarkable, really. So,
for me it is a great drug, but loading after being
off it, can be painful - headaches, heaviness of
body, chest tightness etc.

Once stabilized, it is like heaven on earth.
I guess I'm a textbook bipolar bear. If only
we had a li-detector to check on you lithium
levels; any pharmacies interested in doing
some hardware?

Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspirin » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 12, 2005, at 15:48:23

In reply to Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspirin, posted by Squiggles on July 12, 2005, at 9:07:26

I also have a very quick response to Li. I went off it because of miscommunication with my pdoc and was without for 10 days just recently. Began to feel the old hypersensitivity coming back. Although I didn't let myself descend too far down into mania or god forbid mixed states, I was becoming anxious and depressed and even had a slight panic attack - first in long time.

The worst of the hyper and irritability symptoms were gone in a day or two but I'm still fighting some depression. This is a lethargic, sleeping, cynical brand of blahs, not at all like my typical frenetic agitaged depressions. I think perhaps it's the natural outcome of 10 days of adrenaline surging as hypomania escalated and now my body is pooped. But hey, I'll take this mopey-dopey depression anyday to mixed states.

I am not at a therapeutic window, far below it at 600mg, but that is all I will acquiesce to. When I let my pdoc talk me into 1200mg I was so ill I dumped the lot down the toilet. I'm not depending upon Lithium to make me 'well' or to cure me but allow enough stability to make good decisions about other meds/lifestyle changes I should be making, which for me includes taking a low dose of an AD. I also believe that mania takes alot out of us physically and controlling it is important, but not to the point where all our fire is dampened.

I'd really like to see the therapeutic level not so rigorously adhered to since those levels are high and meant for active mania, not for ongoing maintenance. Those high levels cause unnecessary side effects and organ problems and scare away many who would benefit from a lower maintenance dose.

Anyhow, I think lithium is miracle stuff. Here's a site that has webcasts of talks given by bipolar researchers. The one by Dr. Manji is especially interesting as it goes into the very special properties of lithium. You'll need RealPlayer which you can download. The sound quality isn't always the greatest, but this info is fascinating. - Barbara

http://www.bipolargrandrounds.com/webcast.html


> > I agree with Squiggles. Lithium isn't for everyone, but it works well for me. I don't feel dulled and my creativity and mental clarity are of great importance to me. It saved me from the hell of Mixed Mania.
>
> It's not without its faults -- the side effects are
> bothersome, and the "narrow therapeutic index" can
> make some doctors and patients squeamish, maybe
> even downright scared. But I have never had a deadly reaction (as you can see :-)) and my dr. says I am always on the low side of the spectrum.
> I think that reading about the dangerous side effects may have made influenced me.
>
> Another thing about this drug, is that it may
> take longer for some people to become stabilized
> and they give it up.
>
> As for mixed modes, I find it interesting that in my case it has always targeted and eliminiated
> both psychotic depression and mental and motor
> mania within at least a few hours and at most to
> a day to a few days. Remarkable, really. So,
> for me it is a great drug, but loading after being
> off it, can be painful - headaches, heaviness of
> body, chest tightness etc.
>
> Once stabilized, it is like heaven on earth.
> I guess I'm a textbook bipolar bear. If only
> we had a li-detector to check on you lithium
> levels; any pharmacies interested in doing
> some hardware?
>
> Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri

Posted by Squiggles on July 12, 2005, at 17:15:15

In reply to Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspirin » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 12, 2005, at 15:48:23

Barbara,

I appreciate the link and your very
thoughtful post. I can relate - it
makes feel more comfortable to know
that this is a relatively common experience
among beepers.

You say 1200mg made you ill - how so?

Presently, I am at Day 30 and I feel as if
i have climbed Mount Everest on speed.
I am a bit tired and as you say sort of low
but a little jittery too -- probably shock :-)

My bloods are probably near 0.8 now, maybe
more after 30 days on the old familiar VALEANT
version. I feel almost normal -- it just
crept up on me the generic - really strange.

Thanks again - that is a very helpful post.

Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 13, 2005, at 15:16:30

In reply to Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri, posted by Squiggles on July 12, 2005, at 17:15:15


>
> You say 1200mg made you ill - how so?

**When I wasn't up to the therapeutic dose, my doctor suggested I go from 300 twice a day to 900 all at night. I felt nauseaus and shakey for a week. Then did 300 in am and 900 in pm and had very bad tremors to the point where I'd poke my eye trying to put in my contacts.

I felt trembly inside, quivery, cognitively doped, blunted, peeing like a racehorse. It DID NOT feel like a good thing and my intuition said 'hey! does this feel like it's doing you any good?' No, said I.

So, against my pdocs advice, over a 1 weeks period I simply decreased to 300mg twice a day, or at the point where I wasn't feeling those weird sensations. This is where I am now and other than difficulty losing weight and having to be extra careful watching my thyroid, I have no side effects at all.

I do know that this is not just placebo because when I've tried to stop taking just this small amount, like recently, I have no doubt that I need it.

It's interesting, I was doing just great before my recent 10 day interruption and I'm still having a hard time getting back to where I was. Feeling depressed and very lethargic and sleeping alot. One never knows if it's a flu or something (I have a slight fever) or if it's a depression or something to push through. Screw it. I'm going back to bed. - Barbara
>
> Presently, I am at Day 30 and I feel as if
> i have climbed Mount Everest on speed.
> I am a bit tired and as you say sort of low
> but a little jittery too -- probably shock :-)
>
> My bloods are probably near 0.8 now, maybe
> more after 30 days on the old familiar VALEANT
> version. I feel almost normal -- it just
> crept up on me the generic - really strange.
>
> Thanks again - that is a very helpful post.
>
> Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri » barbaracat

Posted by Squiggles on July 13, 2005, at 15:22:51

In reply to Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 13, 2005, at 15:16:30

The side effects of toxicity are well known,
however if they are transient they are not
necessarily dangerous.

I think some self-tinkering is safe; my dr.
allows me to do it though he doesn't like it.

Once you are stable, you don't have to do that
though. I know you feel though; i have done the
same with similar results, except that I always
have had frequent voiding (that's common) and
never as many report, nausea.

Given the excellence of the drug, and this being
its great fault, i wish some company would
develop a portable lithium measuring device.

That would certainly knock out the competition :-)

Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 13, 2005, at 16:26:54

In reply to Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri » barbaracat, posted by Squiggles on July 13, 2005, at 15:22:51

I'm convinced that Li is acting in a different way than most, if not all, other compounds affect us. If you watched that webcast by Dr. Manji, I though he gave a great overview on lithium's unique properties. I was especially interested in the second messenger action and NBDF activity and how lithium allows a greater electro-potential for chemical transmitters to do their jobs.

Honestly, the more I learn about Lithium the more I truly respect it's benefits and am SO VERY GRATEFUL that I am one of the lucky ones who respond to it. The 'upline' activity of how it acts to normalize neurons and regenerate damaged ones explains why it can be both an anti-manic and an anti-depressant and an augmentor to all.

I have to reiterate my belief that, unless one is in a severe manic crisis, much less lithium should be given ongoing than typically is. It's certainly worth a try. Those windows keep coming down all the time.

I ask myself how I feel with more vs. less, if the physical dullness and tremors of more offsets the always in the background anxiety of less. It's a fine line. I think I'd rather offset the anxiety by lifestyle things - exercise if I can get my butt in gear (very difficult lately).

I wonder about developing any apparatus that montitors those things for us - what are they looking for exactly? No one seems to know how lithium even works and I doubt if anyone's come up with a marker. How much do they measure? Most people's therapeutic windows are far too high for me. Plus, more research would just raise a perfectly cheap med into the brand name stratospheres.

We need guidelines as to how much usually does what, but in the end, we're the only ones who can be our best judge based on how we feel and how others respond to us.

But jeez, we're in the dark ages when it comes to diagnosing and prescribing. What we need is an affordable SPECT scan, a little bonnet, a coil, something that picks up blood flow. A pendulum, Oiuja board, dowser - something besides the dart board/guinea pig approach.

Oh well, I'm ranting. I haven't been able to get out of bed with fatigue lately and I start to wax prophetic. All I wanna do is feel better. But one thing I doubt very much is that more lithium will do it for me. What will do it is time, not allowing myself to implode and spiral down, let it run it's course and soon I'll start feeling interested in things again and feel like joining life. But right now? Nah. I'm depressed, I'm trying to enjoy it (enjoyable depression = oxymoron) but even in this very mild phase of it where I'm lounging about on my bed and life ain't too awful -- I battle worry. It's a constant vigilance against worry geting the upperhand and it is tiring. Hmmm, now I'm REALLY wondering what a pinch more of lithium might do... I'll let you know! Barbara

 

Lithium survey - new post check it out » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 13, 2005, at 16:38:58

In reply to Re: Lithium is up there with Pennicilin and Aspiri » barbaracat, posted by Squiggles on July 13, 2005, at 15:22:51

Hey Folks,
I've posted a new survey on how much lithium is too little and hope you'll respond to it. Here's the link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050713/msgs/527198.html

Thanks!


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