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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JohnSky on September 11, 2007, at 14:45:10
Hello. I've asked alot of questions lately with some very helpful replies... so I thought I would ask another.
I have been on Lithium for 11 weeks at 750mg. I keep wondering when it will kick in and help me with my depression. Any input? My brother has been on 600mg for 8 months and he is doing pretty darn well. He said at the end of 4 months he started to have days where he felt pretty good. He says it has helped his anxiety and depression. I haven't felt much to date and I am frustrated. I am not on a AD at this time. I tried 8 or 9 ADs over the last 1.5 years and all they do is make me more anxious/aggitated. I am considering trying Nardil as it has helped me in the past... but I'd really like to give the Lithium room to do it's work instead. On the other hand I haven't felt well in so long I would welcome the help of Nardil I guess. I'm not sure I can handle another drug trial to be honest though.
Thanks
John
Posted by Jimmyboy on September 11, 2007, at 14:58:44
In reply to Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by JohnSky on September 11, 2007, at 14:45:10
John,
I think some people feel beneficial effects from Lithium rather fast, within a couple of weeks sometimes, but that it can continue to increase in effectiveness over 6 months or more, so maybe you just have not hit that point yet.Also , have you considered upping your dose? Everyone is different and although 600 mgs may have been helpful for your brother, maybe your body requires more. Good luck
JB
Posted by JohnSky on September 11, 2007, at 15:43:32
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by Jimmyboy on September 11, 2007, at 14:58:44
Thanks for your reply Jim. Interesting that my brother's name is Jim and I used to call him Jimmy Boy when we were younger.
I am at 750mg time released. I was at that dose for a couple months. Went down to 600 and then went backup a couple weeks ago. At first the doc thought 750 was too much. This waiting is hard.
> John,
>
>
> I think some people feel beneficial effects from Lithium rather fast, within a couple of weeks sometimes, but that it can continue to increase in effectiveness over 6 months or more, so maybe you just have not hit that point yet.
>
> Also , have you considered upping your dose? Everyone is different and although 600 mgs may have been helpful for your brother, maybe your body requires more. Good luck
>
> JB
Posted by gardenergirl on September 11, 2007, at 17:52:10
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by JohnSky on September 11, 2007, at 15:43:32
Have you had a blood level drawn since you started at 750 mg? I'd see if you're at a therapeutic level or not.
I was one of those who felt a positive effect almost right away. I hope you find one soon, too.
Good luck,
gg
Posted by JohnSky on September 12, 2007, at 9:12:02
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by gardenergirl on September 11, 2007, at 17:52:10
Thanks for the reply. I am in the therapeutic range. what did you feel? Improvement in depression and anxiety?
John
> Have you had a blood level drawn since you started at 750 mg? I'd see if you're at a therapeutic level or not.
>
> I was one of those who felt a positive effect almost right away. I hope you find one soon, too.
>
> Good luck,
>
> gg
Posted by gardenergirl on September 13, 2007, at 9:22:08
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by JohnSky on September 12, 2007, at 9:12:02
I mainly felt my mood lift. I not only felt not depressed, I felt happy. My anxiety is pretty buried under depression, and I'm a master at not letting myself overtly feel anxiety. Not that it helps any, except in the very short term. I know I have it, but it's a big blind spot to me. So anyway, I'm not sure how lithium might be affecting any anxiety I have.
gg
Posted by JohnSky on September 13, 2007, at 9:36:03
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works? » JohnSky, posted by gardenergirl on September 13, 2007, at 9:22:08
Thank you. I wish I had as quick a response as you...I'm in wait mode... and I dearly hope to be able say what you did: "I not only felt not depressed, I felt happy". Sounds wonderful.
I have been on Lithium 3.5 months. My Brother started to respond at 4 months so I'm hoping I will be feeling better soon. My doctor told me some people respond as early as a month... others take 6 to 9 months.If you desire at some point to address the anxiety you might want to try a meditation and
mindfulness program. You learn to accept the anxiety as opposed to fighting to push it away... and when you really accept it the fight is over and it less and less and issue.John
> I mainly felt my mood lift. I not only felt not depressed, I felt happy. My anxiety is pretty buried under depression, and I'm a master at not letting myself overtly feel anxiety. Not that it helps any, except in the very short term. I know I have it, but it's a big blind spot to me. So anyway, I'm not sure how lithium might be affecting any anxiety I have.
>
> gg
Posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 10:50:40
In reply to Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by JohnSky on September 11, 2007, at 14:45:10
Hi John,
The first time I tried lithium, I was at 900mg. I had just been hospitalized and was very depressed. Within about two months, I definitely felt better. My mood was still a little under baseline, but it no longer felt like it could bottom out at any moment. It helped with my anxiety, too, so I didn't need the benzos as much.
Even though the therapeutic range is supposed to indicate the level at which you'll respond, some people require higher doses to be at the upper end of therapeutic than others. I personally need my level to be above 1.0. If you don't have bad side effects-- and the controlled release preparations tend to minimize them-- I might try upping the dose.
Good luck!
CB
Posted by JohnSky on September 13, 2007, at 11:01:10
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works? » JohnSky, posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 10:50:40
Thanks you CB. All this info is given me confidence. The Lithium does feel like it is keeping me from feeling rock bottom. I think it has helped my mood. I'm at 750mg time released... but that was a change that was made a week ago. Before that I was on 600mg most of the time. Maybe I needed a higher dose and now it will help. I may need a higher dose yet... I need to get a blood test this week first. I do like the idea that I should expect the depression and anxiety to improve so I don't have to rely so much on benzos. My gut tells me I am on the right medication and that I am inching towards feeling better. I do pray so.
Thanks again.John
> Hi John,
> The first time I tried lithium, I was at 900mg. I had just been hospitalized and was very depressed. Within about two months, I definitely felt better. My mood was still a little under baseline, but it no longer felt like it could bottom out at any moment. It helped with my anxiety, too, so I didn't need the benzos as much.
> Even though the therapeutic range is supposed to indicate the level at which you'll respond, some people require higher doses to be at the upper end of therapeutic than others. I personally need my level to be above 1.0. If you don't have bad side effects-- and the controlled release preparations tend to minimize them-- I might try upping the dose.
> Good luck!
> CB
Posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 11:25:58
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by JohnSky on September 13, 2007, at 11:01:10
Hi John,
I forgot to mention that, for me at least, my lithium level is very much affected by things like hydration, food intake, and changes in weight. I know it's common knowledge that you shouldn't get dehydrated or go on a low-salt diet, but I just wanted to suggest that what might be a therapeutic level at one testing might be higher or lower depending on your habits. I'm glad the change up to 750mg is working better for you. I hope your mood and anxiety improve soon and that you find the dose that will make it happen.
CB
Posted by JohnSky on September 13, 2007, at 12:16:42
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works? » JohnSky, posted by CareBear04 on September 13, 2007, at 11:25:58
You are right. I am stay very hyrdrated, eat well, and exercise regularly. What I have wondered at times is if there is a diet to follow to help Lithium. What to eat and not to eat. I would think that has to be online somewhere. I stay away from caffeine, etc.
I don't know why this is popping in my head but I plan a big party when I return to health. So many people have helped keep me going. I also plan to give back somehow to help others with these struggles. Not sure how I will do it yet... but it will come. I don't want any attention I just want to help.
Thanks CB.
> Hi John,
> I forgot to mention that, for me at least, my lithium level is very much affected by things like hydration, food intake, and changes in weight. I know it's common knowledge that you shouldn't get dehydrated or go on a low-salt diet, but I just wanted to suggest that what might be a therapeutic level at one testing might be higher or lower depending on your habits. I'm glad the change up to 750mg is working better for you. I hope your mood and anxiety improve soon and that you find the dose that will make it happen.
> CB
Posted by gardenergirl on September 13, 2007, at 19:30:00
In reply to Re: Lithium - how long before it works?, posted by JohnSky on September 13, 2007, at 9:36:03
> My doctor told me some people respond as early as a month... others take 6 to 9 months.
Holy moly, that would be a really long wait to see if it's effective. Good thing it's a cheap med. I'd have a hard time trying something brand name with my high copays for that long without any "reward".
>
> If you desire at some point to address the anxiety you might want to try a meditation and
> mindfulness program. You learn to accept the anxiety as opposed to fighting to push it away... and when you really accept it the fight is over and it less and less and issue.Excellent suggestion. I've done meditation and yoga before, and I always feel better when I'm faithfully following my practice. It seems whenever I get an obstacle, such as an injury or travel or something, I tend to let it go, and then I don't get back in right away. Why is it that the things that we can do to help us feel better can be so hard to get into the habit of doing?
Keeping my fingers crossed for you...
gg
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