Lithium?

[Guest kathleenp]

Is lithium only for more severe cases of bipolar, or does it work for less severe cases? I am having a hard time finding a mood stabilizer and was wondering about it. I tend towards depression with a LOT of mixed episodes, and I read somewhere that Lithium is used more for people that tend towards mania. I don't know anymore, I am just tired of all these crappy mood swings.

[bpladybug]

Is lithium only for more severe cases of bipolar, or does it work for less severe cases? I am having a hard time finding a mood stabilizer and was wondering about it. I tend towards depression with a LOT of mixed episodes, and I read somewhere that Lithium is used more for people that tend towards mania. I don't know anymore, I am just tired of all these crappy mood swings.

Lithium might help you. But probably not Lithium alone. A low dose of Lithium (say 600 mgs) to help your brain chemistry, and then something added on like Geodon or Seroquel, or well there are others. I am playing amateur psychiatrist. But truly, I think this is something you should explore with your doctor. Have you tried tegretol? I assume you tried Lamictal? You need more than one medication when you have nasty mixed episodes. And mixed episodes are dangerous so it is good that you are committed to treatment.

Btw, some people with your type of bipolar take Lithium and Lamictal.

[AnneMarie]

Hi. Lithium is used to treat MDD, so it is prescribed for both manic and depressed states. It is a stronger antimanic but that doesn't mean it isn't a good antidepressant. It is for me. It's also known to have the best results in lowering suicidal ideations. Lithium is often prescribed as adjunct to an AD, btw. Lithium is not considered a particularly good med for treating mixed states, but if you can treat the ups and downs, perhaps you won't have to deal so much with the middle. I'd give it a go. You will never know whether or not it works for you until you try.

[LunaRufina]

I was on lithium for a while and it was pretty good, the only thing was I couldn't deal with the nausea, which could be easily dealth with by switching to extended release.

The only reason I stopped is because I had stopped because of the nausea, then when I tried to go back on, I couldn't avoid some cognitive issues that I had avoided the first time around. [in retrospect,the first time I DID titrate over a few months,the second time over a few weeks. Your mileage may vary.]

Despite these two things, I DO recommend people try lithium. They are both fairly easily addressed in a lot of cases [and worst case scenario would be unfourtunate, but you and your doctor could decide to d/c the med]

I think it gets a really bad reputation but really?

My first time around I DIDN'T get any cognitive problems, I got a little bit of the shakes, but this was exacerbated by my other meds, I didn't gain weight, I didn't feel "like a zombie" or "numb".

It did help. I would give it a try if it's on the table.

[leopard]

I was on lithium for a while and it was pretty good, the only thing was I couldn't deal with the nausea, which could be easily dealth with by switching to extended release.

So were you on the lithium, lamictal, and abilify all at the same time? All three of those got along with each other? Must have been pretty good for depression.

I think it gets a really bad reputation but really?

My first time around I DIDN'T get any cognitive problems, I got a little bit of the shakes, but this was exacerbated by my other meds, I didn't gain weight, I didn't feel "like a zombie" or "numb".

It did help. I would give it a try if it's on the table.

Did it interfere with your concerta? I know that lithium and stimulants have an interaction; where lithium practically wipes out the effects of some stimulants. (I don't have the link handy, but will hunt it down.. )

Has anyone found lithium to be helpful in slowing down racing thoughts? Can lamictal help with that, also?

thank you

[Laume]

Hey leopard

Lithium stopped my racing/obsessive thoughts within I would say a week being on it. It also stopped the incessant counting.

Never tried Lamictal, so someone else can answer that for you

[leopard]

Hey leopard

Lithium stopped my racing/obsessive thoughts within I would say a week being on it. It also stopped the incessant counting.

Never tried Lamictal, so someone else can answer that for you

Thanks for replying, sabrina. That is good to hear about the lithium.

I've always steered clear of it due to the negative things people say about it, but it actually sounds like something that would help me ... as I have those racing/obsessive thoughts, too. I'm already titrating lamictal, so maybe together they can cover both the depression and the racing thoughts/agitation.

The lithium simulant/adderall interaction is the only thing that concerns me. Cannot afford to have the adderall effects wiped out.

I've been trying abilify out, but I actually think it is making me worse.

[Laume]

Lithium has been around a long time, everyone knows what it treats, so that is where the stigma comes from. How many depressing songs are called Lithium? More than any other mood stabilizer

Lithium toxicity can occur and it can be devastating, so you need to bo for periodic blood tests. I have lost the taste for coffee, which is good since you need to keep it at a minimum.

It doesn't hurt to try and is dirt cheap (if thats a concern) since its been around forever.

Let us know what is going on

[nalgas]

How many depressing songs are called Lithium? More than any other mood stabilizer

Well, it also fits into a song better than most. "Depakote" isn't particularly lyrical, not to mention trying to fit something like "carbamazepine" in. Having said that, I'm reminded that I have at least one song around here called Amitriptyline...

[Laume]

Haha nalgas