(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
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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*
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