Stopped taking Lithium

[ScavengerType]

So, I quit taking my Lithium when my last prescription ran out and I feel fine. It's been 6 days and I feel good with a little more energy and not so lathargic which I see as a positive thing. I did not consult my doctor though and am slightly worried about becoming depressed but so far so good. I am starting to doubt my diagnoses although I must admit the Lithium was extemely helpful at the time. I am wondering if anyone else has had similiar experiences? I'm just really confused lately. Also my drinking has increased since I quit and I have been more emotional. Also I have taken on extra projects at school this week, I just feel really good. I guess this has been more of a rant than anything but any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

[gizmo]

Also my drinking has increased since I quit and I have been more emotional.... I just feel really good.

I don't think it would be a stretch to say that these two statements are contradictory in terms.

If you are *fine*, then you would not feel the urge to drink, or drink "more". Your would be calm and peaceful. Or just neutral in emotion. Hell, I'd even settle for flat.

If you are *fine*, then you would not be more emotional. Feeling really good doesn't include yo-yoing emotions, unless you are simply experiencing more and more happiness than you normally experienced on lithium. But being more emotional could also be withdrawing from the lithium.

If I'm not mistaken, the problem with sudden withdrawal of lithium is the sudden and exceedingly nastily quick onset of your symptoms. If you want to quit, you may want to refill it one last time and do a proper step down. But, then again, you just may want to refill it and keep taking it as to avoid that nasty little drinking issue.

[Mayteana]

Umm

I feel fine.

my drinking has increased since I quit and I have been more emotional.

Maybe it's just me but those two seem to contradict each other a bit.

have taken on extra projects at school this week, I just feel really good.

You do realize that going off your meds can cause more then just depression, right?

I did not consult my doctor though

My input is that whatever you choose to do - please keep your doctor in the loop.

~ May

[pinkiemarie]

Given what you just said, I would suggest calling your doctor ASAP and finding out how what they want to do to get you back up to a therapeutic dose. Drinking more, feeling more emotional, taking on extra projects...I'm having visions of mania here.

Let's face it, 6 days is far too short a time to know for sure if you're going into an episode...but far too long to be without your lithium if you need it.

One of the sad things about treating bipolar patients is that we tend to stop taking our meds all of a sudden for various reasons--often cited is that we feel we don't need them--and then ending up in worse circumstances than we were before. Please keep this in mind.

[AirMarshall]

Done this experiment numerous times. Doesn't work. The more times I do this, the worse it doesn't work.

Rapid withdrawal from lithium is often followed by "rebound mania".

You know what the signs are. When you are ready, start back up on your meds.

Best regards, a.m.

[ScavengerType]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated. Thanks for pointing out the contradictions in my post, looking back it doesn't really make sense haha. Going to the doctor tomorrow!

[hnone]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated. Thanks for pointing out the contradictions in my post, looking back it doesn't really make sense haha. Going to the doctor tomorrow!

Why would you let your RX run out? This sort of medicine is something you'd want to pre-fill always, or even have the doctor write you a larger RX so you have extra (mine does).

Glad to see you are going back to the doctor, hopefully you are back on your meds and doing well.

I've pulled the "I'm fine" act and I ended up sneaking around my apartments knocking on doors asking people if I lived there. Good stuff