I can haz lithium?

Apr 27, 2010 14:16

(I also posted this to ask_me_anything , so I'm sorry if you're seeing it twice.)

Has anyone here been on Lithium?

I have a non-bipolar I form of bipolar (probably bipolar NOS, from the looks of it). I get mixed states, hardcore depression, and hypomania. I'm rapid cycling, but not ultra-rapid; my moods last from about 2 weeks to 4 months. I'm on Zoloft and Zyprexa ( Read more... )

lithium

Leave a comment

lunamothmama April 27 2010, 19:28:22 UTC
i am actually surprised you arent on a mood stabilizer already. if you are only on an antidepressant and an antipsychotic, all you are doing is medicating the states themselves, not preventing the swings in the first place. especially with more frequent swings, i would think you'd need a stabilizer of some sort.

i would ask about Lamictal instead. Lamictal works really well at stabilizing moods and it doesnt have nearly the side effects of lithium. for lamictal, you have to watch out for a rash that can turn very serious, but that is not a very common occurrence at all. with lithium, you have to get blood tested every so often to monitor your levels, you run the risk of tremor, weight gain... i believe that nowadays most psychiatrists will try Lamictal first, and lithium second if necessary.

i was actually on both at one point, to help try to lessen some very severe swings which went along with an awful psychotic mixed state. i had one side effect from the lithium, and that was a moderate hand tremor (made it hard to write or eat...) i didnt have any other side effects from lithium, and absolutely none with lamictal.

and just a random note, i see so many folks with bipolar taking antidepressants/SSRIs to help with their depressed states.... damn but i wish i could take something to help with these awful depressions. but antidepressants are pure evil for me - no one wants psychotic mania, no, no one wants it :( poor me OK post hijack and self-pity done *lol*

Reply


Leave a comment

Up