scatty Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I just got a script for lithium today. Pdoc said it's good for an add on for depression and cycling. He said it might take 4 weeks to kick in? Is this right? I'm depressed in a very bad way and desperate for relief, but wary of typical ADs. I'm on anafranil for OCD and depression, but pdoc thought instead of increasing that, it would be better to try the lithium. I've been on it in the past and I feel like I was on too low a dose with an incompetent pdoc. I'm hoping it works this time around. How do you feel on this med? Is it a subtle change in mood or a drastic one? Has it helped anyone with severe depression? All replies are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizmo Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I wrote you on the other board, but since you posted here as well, I might as well join you! Yes, it can very easily take four weeks to see a full potential effect from the lithium. This is from the very thing you mentioned in your post - the titration up of dose to a proper blood serum level. It is very similar, but only slightly quicker, than lamictal. You generally start at 300 mg for a week, then 600 mg for a week, get a blood serum test, go to 900 mg, get another blood serum test, and if necessary, go upwards more. You are aiming for a target blood serum level of 0.6 - 1.0, though many people would argue a more precise level of 0.8 - 1.0. I've known this to occur in people in anywhere from a freakishly low 600 mg to 1800 mg. Lithium is powerful ju-ju. Despite the amazing thirst and shaky hands, I would not live without it. But it is not fast medicine. I wish I could offer you rapid alternatives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy10 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 It destroyed a killer suicidal depression I'd suffered from for months within a few weeks. It also took away the rage and anguish that went with it and indirectly helped me sleep after chronic insomnia. This took a few weeks. Most of the initial time on Lithium involved trying to get me from 0.4-0.7 ish. When this occurred, the pain vanished and I felt much more normal. Am on 900mg. It was more a softening of ragged edges, a reduction in intensity. All my thoughts were affected, looking back. Much fewer ones of revenge, murder and suicide. The only side effects I noticed were a slight hand tremor and a bit of a zonked feeling to start with. These have mostly gone. It sounds gushy, but I have never been on a psych med that has so few side effects and does what it says on the packet so rapidly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatty Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 Thanks so much ladies! It zonked me out a few hours after I took it. That's a good thing since I've been having trouble sleeping. I'm hopeful.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I love my Lithium. About 7 days after inreasing to 600mg (serum level .6), I felt a real difference, even more so after increasing to 900mg (sl .9). It's a good antimanic but it's also a good antidepressant for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatty Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 I'm beginning to be functional again. I'm not sure if it's my raised dose of anafranil or the lithium, but who cares! I am in a much better place than just a few days ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy10 Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Fantastic! May it go on.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatty Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 I fucking LOVE lithium! My mood is stable and I am clear headed for the first time in months! Just wanted to update with some good news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witchywoman Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Awesome! Glad you're feeling better. You give me hope. I was just put on Lithium a few days ago for depression. Im hoping to start feeling better soon, because this depression sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I fucking LOVE lithium! My mood is stable and I am clear headed for the first time in months! Just wanted to update with some good news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.