Starting Lithium

[ahalo]

I've been prescribed Lithium and I'm nervous because I was told that usually peoples blood is monitored pretty closely when they start it. I have had some abnormal tests on my urine the last few months but lost my insurance before I could get in to a urologist. I had high levels of blood in my urine that couldn't be seen by the eye- was told by my nurse sister that it's probably nothing to really worry about. But in reading on some Lithium side effects I wonder whether I should be monitored and how I can do that without insurance. I have to start it because I've been having a hard time and had side effects from Prozac/Geodon which worked great together the week I was on it except for the side effects that I couldn't tolerate.

[Laume]

Dont worry too much about the blood tests with Lithium - just to get your levels of it in your blood and they will also check your thyroid.

Don`t get me started...I miss my pretty little pink and whitè capsules and now hate my orange stupid Valproic acid pills.

[pinkiemarie]

I LOVE lithium. I really do! I'm sorry that you lost your insurance but if I were you I'd get down to the local clinic for a low cost blood test and full workup to make sure you're in top shape for taking this drug. I've had some severe kidney infections while taking lithium and the docs weren't too worried about it because they weren't caused by it and weren't causing major irreparable damage to the kidneys, so the blood may be nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, I'm not a doctor so the best advice I can give is to find one who will see you on the cheap.

[AnneMarie]

What does your psychiatrist say?

Depakote and Tegretol are options to Lithium. They both have blood tests involved, but not as many. Both Lithium and Tegretol are on Target's $4 List, btw.

Call your local community clinic or county health clinic to see how much lab tests are there and whether you would qualify for a discount. (You might want to ask the clinic about medical services in general for you there, too.) Every six months my Lithium test includes a check for Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4) and CBC. Your pdoc can tell you would she ordinarily runs.

[SashaSue]

Did you tell your pdoc about the possible kidney issue? If not, you really should, probably before starting it.

[Guest Ahalo]

not when i went in this time but i had mentioned it before. I was in a bad state and just wanted some relief but i dont want to put my health at risk. He didnt mention any bloodwork which confuses me but i can go to the free clinic monday and take the other med he gave me in the meantime.

Did you tell your pdoc about the possible kidney issue? If not, you really should, probably before starting it.

[netsavy006]

When I first started lithium I was taking 600mg per day (300Am and 300Pm) and I was told about the long term affects of it affecting the kidneys and thyroid. The doctors did close monitoring the first month during the initial titration up to 900mg per day so that I didn't end up on the high (toxic) end. Lithium levels are suppose to be in a range from what I know of .6 - 1.2.

I have to say at the very least from seeing what my insurance pays for IR Lithium it's not too too expensive if you have to pay out of pocket, but I don't know about the blood work half of it as insurance pays for my blood work every 3 - 4 months.

I hope this helps a little and good luck with the Lithium.

Andy.