sfolks0428 Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 I've been on Lithium (1350 mg) for about 2 years now, and I worry about long-term side effects. I've gotten varied responses when I ask doctors about it. Some effects I have read about: Lowering in kidney function over time, kidney damage? Has anyone been on lithium long-term (or any amount of time) and really knows the long-term side effects answer? Or anyone else that has some info on the topic? Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkiemarie Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 I've heard the same things about kidneys, etc, but I've not yet had the displeasure of experiencing it myself. It can also destroy your thyroid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Kidneys and thyroid are what you need to worry about. Both tend to return to function if you stop the med early when you start getting changes in your labwork, which is why doctors monitor. To put it in perspective, many people have been on lithium pretty much the majority of their lives, and haven't had problems. Overall, lithium is a pretty safe med. Some people choose to treat the symptoms, rather than stop the med, if they get any, particularly with the thyroid issue.... I would try not to worry too much, no sense borrowing trouble before it arises. Lithium is overall a very safe medication. Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 There's also the other side effect, the good one. Lithium has been shown to help promote new neuron growth. If you are challenging your brain with new activities - puzzles, different reading materials, new types of art, anything new - those new neurons might be sticking around to create new lines of memory and brain growth. Since bipolar can cause loss of brain grey matter, this sort of is a big deal. For me, as long as the med is effective without serious side effects, I'll stick with it for this if no other reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Referring to Jamison & Goodwin, 1st ed. They note that the incidence of negative effects from lithium is actually quite low, (despite the reputation). Hypothyroidism: Between 5 and 35% of lithium patients experience hypothyroidism. In depth studies have shown that the majority of these patients had either preexisting thyroid disorders or high levels of thyroid antibodies (i.e. autoimmune disorder where the body is attacking its thyroid). Thyroid antibody levels did tend to rise after commencing lithium. The conclusion is that most patients with thyroid disorders have preexisting conditions that were unmasked or exacerbated by lithium but not caused by it. The good news is that thyroid treatment is simple, generally without side effects and provides noticeable improvement in overall health and feelings. Kidney function: Lithium was used as a table salt substitute in the 1940's and was associated with a number of deaths from kidney failure leading to its withdrawal and notoriety. This delayed its acceptance as a drug, and led to extensive study of renal functions. Early psychiatric lithium protocols in the 1970's used dosages near maximum and patients often had toxicity problems. It is felt that this cohort has somewhat shaded previous statistical studies. Present protocols call for higher dosages during episodes, then reduction to lower maintenance levels, coupled with regular blood level checks. J&G note that the most common effect of lithium use is polyuria, or increased urination, but this has no effect on the ability of the kidney to remove lithium or other wastes thus not life threatening. Physical damage to the glomeruli (the filter part) is actually quite low and is mostly correlated with intentional lithium overdoses and patients maintained on inappropriately high lithium levels. Thus, any risk is associated with high dosage levels over long time. Interestingly, J&G did not cite any statistical incidence. Generally, we see quoted that patients who have kidney problems have been on lithium for over 10-20 years. Recommendations are that users keep lithium flushed from the kidneys by drinking 2-3liters of water per day. Ok. I'm pooped from writing so I won't launch into a rah rah speech. "Lithium: works good, lasts a long time". a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfolks0428 Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 There's also the other side effect, the good one. Lithium has been shown to help promote new neuron growth. If you are challenging your brain with new activities - puzzles, different reading materials, new types of art, anything new - those new neurons might be sticking around to create new lines of memory and brain growth. Since bipolar can cause loss of brain grey matter, this sort of is a big deal. For me, as long as the med is effective without serious side effects, I'll stick with it for this if no other reason. Wow, that's really interesting, I've never heard of lithium helping promote new neuron growth! Makes me feel better about taking it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfolks0428 Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 Ok. I'm pooped from writing so I won't launch into a rah rah speech. "Lithium: works good, lasts a long time". Air Marshall, Thank you so much for the info! Lithium's always worked the best for me BY FAR, glad to clear up all the "horrible long-term effects" rumors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 The idea of growing neurons makes me happy. At least something good is happening. Sorta like getting a new haircut, only on the inside! a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazynotstupid Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 When I was on lithium I was prepared to stay on it for the long haul even with potential kidney problems--and I'm a diabetic. Thusly I am already at risk for kidney issues. It didn't work well enough for me to keep but, the thing is, I was worried less about the potential harm effects than the potential positive effects. I mean really--the bipolar things I do shorten my lifespan far more than lthium ever could. So. And I always knew I could stop if needed. So there's my say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfolks0428 Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 I mean really--the bipolar things I do shorten my lifespan far more than lthium ever could. So. And I always knew I could stop if needed. So there's my say. Amen to that! Lithium is still 100% my drug of choice! I shouldn't even be worried, I don't have kidney problems... YET. But, my brother has had kidney stones all of his life, having his first problems at age 15, pretty rare! So I just wonder if I will inherit any of his kidney problems, but even if I do, I don't know if the lithium would even affect that type of problem. But thanks for the comment, makes me appreciate even more how stable lithium keeps me!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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