Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 913079

Shown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Lithium Effiacey

Posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 0:49:08

Sorry for my mispellings it's late at night.

I have a question about lithium and would like to know what percetange of bipolars do not respond well. Is it uncommon? Does anyone know of any studies showing this and maybe how the difference in symptoms might contribute to the responses to lithium.

I ask because I'm giving lithium another try.

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey

Posted by morganator on August 20, 2009, at 1:00:53

In reply to Lithium Effiacey, posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 0:49:08

My 2 cents..definitely worth another try

It is not uncommon at all for people with bp to not respond well to lithium. I think lithium controls manic symptoms of many bipolars but the side effects prevent them from continuing. And, the type of BP symptoms can make a difference in how someone responds.

There are others here that will go into more detail than I have. Also, I don't know of any studies.

What other meds are you on now and what other medications have you tried before?

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey

Posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2009, at 10:32:11

In reply to Re: Lithium Effiacey, posted by morganator on August 20, 2009, at 1:00:53

Make sure your thyroid is okay as lithium can cause problems with it. Reading a book now about it. Phillipa

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey » morganator

Posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 17:42:10

In reply to Re: Lithium Effiacey, posted by morganator on August 20, 2009, at 1:00:53

Thanks. I'm really wanting to give it another try or maybe trying Lithobid instead of plain Lithium tablets might be better. I've heard the longer acting lithobid has less side effects which was part of my problem. I'm currently on Depakote, Wellbutrin, and Restoril.

The list of things I've tried: Lithium (don't know about Lithobid if it's any different), Tegretol, Trileptal, Zyprexa, Abilify, Haldol, Seroquel, Lexapro.

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey » Phillipa

Posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 17:43:04

In reply to Re: Lithium Effiacey, posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2009, at 10:32:11

When I took it, my thyroid was a bit low. I don't know if it still is or not now that I'm off the lithium.

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey

Posted by SLS on August 20, 2009, at 17:45:30

In reply to Re: Lithium Effiacey » morganator, posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 17:42:10

> Thanks. I'm really wanting to give it another try or maybe trying Lithobid instead of plain Lithium tablets might be better. I've heard the longer acting lithobid has less side effects which was part of my problem. I'm currently on Depakote, Wellbutrin, and Restoril.
>
> The list of things I've tried: Lithium (don't know about Lithobid if it's any different), Tegretol, Trileptal, Zyprexa, Abilify, Haldol, Seroquel, Lexapro.

I noticed that you didn't list Lamictal here. The combination of Lithium + Lamictal often prevents relapses into both mania and depression. The NIMH, NIH has studied this treatment very closely.


- Scott

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey » SLS

Posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 20:39:16

In reply to Re: Lithium Effiacey, posted by SLS on August 20, 2009, at 17:45:30

Whoops, I did forget one. Yes I have been on Lamictal. That's defintely a combination I haven't tried yet. If the lithium alone doesn't work then I'll ask to try lithium + lamictal. I hope something works. Thanks for your reply.

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey

Posted by morganator on August 20, 2009, at 21:45:14

In reply to Re: Lithium Effiacey » SLS, posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 20:39:16

Lithobid could actually make a bit of a difference. Good luck

 

Re: Lithium Effiacey

Posted by ceres on August 22, 2009, at 5:25:47

In reply to Lithium Effiacey, posted by gibbons482 on August 20, 2009, at 0:49:08

I had been on lithium a number of times. Each time I went off, because it was aggravating my already hyper bladder. I was afraid to drink anything or drive too far.

This time round, a doctor talked me into lithium based on its neurogenerative (sp?)properties, as I continue to get more cognitive problems w/ each episode.
I started with regular tablets & switched to sustained release --not sure if there was a difference. It made me tired & muddled for a few mo's. I don't recall a fatigue phase in the past. But, I haven't developed the bladder issue. For some reason, my blood level is higher on a smaller dose, possibly from other meds I take.

It's helped bring me down to a more tolerable place after being unstable for a period. (I didn't have a doctor for a while, so was managing my own meds & using old Rx's which threw things off.) Lithium hasn't done much for my depression, other than lowering suicidal urgency.
A lot of drugs undo it a bit. SSRI's, stimulants, & now Welbutrin tend to make me either very hyper or agitated & anxious.

I think that Lamictal, like Scott said, helps w/ depression. It seemed to be working at 300mg/day, but not at my current 100mg. Eventually I want to go off Lamic as it aggravates my cognitive issues. Also, I attribute the numbness in my fingers to Lamic & hope it resolves off the drug.
--Current doctor thinks Lamic is only prophylactic against depression after long term use. --not sure.
For me it was worth trying lithium again.


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