Lithium extended release... Eskalith/Lithobid

[cache-monkey]

Hey all,

So, I've been on Lithium before and really couldn't take too high a dose because my bladder would get irritated and I'd feel like I had to pee all the time. I'm re-starting and am noticing a little of that at 600 mg (which is the dose I'd like to stick at).

I've been using standard Li-C03, but I've heard that the extended-release preparations can sometimes be easier in terms of polyuria. There are two extended-release versions: Eskalith CR and Lithobid (both available as generics now). Does anyone have any experience with these in terms of side effects, particularly in terms of the urinary issues?

Input greatly appreciated,

cache-monkey

[sun_zoom_spark]

I've been on 900 mgs. Lithobid for a year. Yeah, urination is frequent. Only side effect for me is hanging around the bathroom.

[cache-monkey]

Well, I switched over to generic Lithobid last night and the bladder irritation / feeling like I need to pee all the time business have improved remarkably. I might even be able to get up to 900 mg, which is just about in the therapeutic range...

~cache-monkey

[Guest Guest]

Hi, I am interested in this as well.  Also interested in which form of Li causes the least amount of stomach upset. 

Any input would be great.  Thanks!

[Lithia]

I'm eating Lithionit (slow-release LiSO4) and the blood leval is 0,9 mmol/l. I have no problems with urination, but according to the manifacture more then 1 of 100 creates more urine and this happends when the lithium level in the blood is over 0,8 mmol/l.

In Sweden you first try Lithionit and if the stomach side effects are terrible you change to Litarex (Li-citrate) and most of the patients get better.