Lithium and Zyprexa- for Bipolar

[etkearne]

So, I was recently stabilized with the combination of 1500mg of Lithium and 10mg Zyprexa. I take both all together at night, which makes me nauseous, but I have less tremors in the day. My pdoc told me to do it if I could live with the nausea.

So, this brings me to the topic. When I was stabilized with these meds together (plus some others that aren't really aimed at the Bipolar aspect), he told me, with a big smile, that he sees this as the most effective combination he's worked with for bipolar with my features: agitation, full-out psychosis, anger, etc.

Obviously, not everyone can do this combination, as it involves two relatively risk-laden meds. Also, I am sure many have tried it with failure. I will say, though, that it didn't work until I was all the way up to 1500mg of Lithium, which is (remind me fellow Lithium-ers??) a pretty solid amount.

I just wanted to see if anyone else has gotten relief from this combination in particular. I had known for awhile that Zyprexa was a "keeper", but then had to try out Trileptal and Lamictal before Lithium. But those were my choices. My pdoc suggested Lithium from the beginning, but having seen the shaky hands of some of my relatives who take it, I was scared off.

[netsavy006]

I just recently got back on Zyprexa. I use to take at in the past by it self before they found out about the bipolar side of my diagnosis and it did help me. I find that for me I need the combination of Zyprexa and Lithium. I take IR Lithium (300 AM / 600 PM) and Zyprexa 5mg @ bedtime). I notice that the combination helps me right now with my anxiety and my racing thoughts and my irritability.

Thus far, even though it's been five days, I am getting moderate relief from the combination, in addition of course to the other meds I take (listed in sig).

I hope this helps a little.

Good luck,

Andy.

[nibblerd]

http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/178/41/s148

Lithium in combination with neuroleptics has shown to have an increased risk of neurotoxic symptoms. I'm not sure which APs, but the threat exists.

[helloheartbreak]

I take Lithium and Fanapt, along with a couple other meds for Schizoaffective Bipolar type. The combination of lithium and an AAP has been good for me. Dianthus is correct about what matters is your Lithium level, not how many milligrams you're taking. There are times when I've had to adjust my Li dose seasonally to maintain the same level. I've tried substitutes for the Li, but have come back to it so much that I finally realized that it is stupid to mess with something that is working. For reference's sake, I take 1200mg Lithium and aim for a level between 1.0 and 1.2.

If you're not already take your Li with a bit of food or some milk at night, it will help with the GI problems. Also check out what kind of Li you're taking - I get terrible nausea with immediate release verisons, much better time with Lithobid. If it's really bad you can try taking Lithium Citrate - I had to do this when other stuff was exacerbating the GI problems and it helped a lot. Tastes like total crap though, even flavored.

[AnneMarie]

I have to eat when I take Lithium. Otherwise, I feel nauseated.

[netsavy006]

I eat breakfast in the morning when I take my AM Lithium but I don't when I take my bedtime Lithium and I do ok. I don't know how, but I do Ok.

[bpladybug]

I guess I am lucky, no gastro problems with Lith. Lithium stabilized me. Currently I take 900 mgs and am usually around 0.8. I actually prefer to take more but my doctor is very worried about toxicity. (not regarding me - just in general, he must have had a patient with toxicity) This really evens out my moods.

Then I added the Seroquel and what wonderous relief! It stopped the racing thoughts, reducded the anxiety, and improved the quality of my life. My busy, busy mind has slowed down to one thought at a time. It has taken years to find this combination and this level or normalcy. I have had friends comment that I seemed really well mentally, and my husband is pleased and told me he thinks I am doing the best, ever since he has known me. So I am a believer in LIthium and an AAP. I think I am close to normal on this combo. Plus, I have a psychologist who is expert in CBT.