spaceman Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Iam on 450 mg of lamictal and 300 mg of wellbutrin. I am considering asking my pdoc about possibly adding lithium to the mix. I have seen some on here who have lithium added to other drugs at a level of 600 mg. Is that a low enough level to be effective wo many side effects? Anyone on lithium that have not had horrible side effects ie; weight gain, impotence etc? Thanx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceman Posted July 17, 2011 Author Share Posted July 17, 2011 What side effects have you had? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eccentrik_drummer_chik Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 When I was on Lithium I stayed between 600-900 mg, and my levels were on the lower end, sometimes below what is considered "therapeutic". I've lately read stuff about the benefits of low doses of Lithium (like 300mg a day, google it), and honestly for myself, I didn't necessarily see more benefits at higher levels, but more side effects as I increased. No weight gain, mainly more thirst (though not dry mouth), and acne (but I've always had acne, it just increased it, don't know if it would cause it in someone not prone to it), and memory issues, like having a hard time finding words. I've actually decided as of last night to start taking it again at 300mgs at night. When I was on it before it was the only thing I was on, and it wasn't enough in itself. But, when I take a low dose it seems to just level things out for me I don't think that 300mg would cause many side effects, and you may find it helps. I personally think the goal should be to feel more stable, not to reach a preordained level of it in your blood. Again, everyone is different and many would not feel any benefit at that low a level, I tend to be sensitive to meds though.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 my blood level stays around 0.6meq on a dosage of 900mg, and I've been on it for 7 years. I don't lithium has any worse side effects than any other average med. Certainly Paxil and Lamictal had more objectionable side effect for me. Weight wise lithium is fairly neutral. What you have to watch out for is in meeting daily liquiid requirements that you don't substitute sugary drinks for water. Otherwise I've had tremor, sleepiness after taking a dose, a little less energy, and some nauseau and diarrhea during the first month. All symptoms improved with time. Lithium isn't a monster. No need for excessive fears. a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eccentrik_drummer_chik Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Lithium isn't a monster. No need for excessive fears. Definately agree.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Low dose lithium can be an effective augment for depressive sx. If you want it to treat mania, you will probably want to go higher..... 600 mg or so seems to be the standardish (depending on blood levels) number I've seen out there for augmenting due to depression. I kind of liked lithium okay, but unfortunately got one of the shitty ass side effects. I'm not going to tell you which one, heh, because I don't want to scare you..... I am one of those weirdos who's gotten some random ass side effects from meds (sjs REALLY like hospital worthy) from lamictal, etc. But rest assured, on lithium, you will be properly monitored for any possible dangerous side effects via blood work, and otherwise, if you don't get some REALLY FREAKY RARE s.e., lith is pretty great. I got a few tremors, some acne, etc., and maybe 5 lbs weight gain which went away after awhile (mostly water weight). Honestly, the most annoying thing for me was a kind of salty taste in my mouth a lot of the time..... eh. i think this could work well for you and is worth a shot. Most annoying s.e.s due to lith can be treated, fairly easily. And at low dose, you may find you get less of them..... If it were me I'd try low dose first, then consider increasing if you need to. Lith has a crappy rep mostly because during its original usage, docs pushed pts up to the VERY LIMIT of toxicity for years, which was unnecessary, and caused a lot of crap for pts over the long term. Lith is not used in that fashion anymore, and remember, you always have the option to go off it if it ends up being a pain for you. Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SashaSue Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I think lith's crappy rep also has to do with its being cheap as spackle, and not having any former cheerleader drug reps pushing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeaceAndHarmony Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I just wanted to chime in here I just started taking lithium about a week ago at 600mg. It has, so far, been one of the best meds that I've tried. I will be increasing Li on Thursday and I can honestly tell you that I have had no negative side effects so far. I have whacky side effects with just about everything that I try but I seem to do better with older medications. Low dose lithium could be a good add on for depression but for mania you will, most likely, need a higher dose. I say go for it and see if it helps. keep us posted after you talk to your doc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceman Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share Posted July 18, 2011 thanx for all the replys! I will keep all posted after I visit pdoc on aug 15. Untill then I will just have to suffer. I feel so tired and unmotivated but I guess you all know that feeling. Thanx P.S LET ME KNOW HOW THW 600 MGS IS WORKING FOR YOU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpladybug Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Low dose lithium can be an effective augment for depressive sx. If you want it to treat mania, you will probably want to go higher..... 600 mg or so seems to be the standardish (depending on blood levels) number I've seen out there for augmenting due to depression. I kind of liked lithium okay, but unfortunately got one of the shitty ass side effects. I'm not going to tell you which one, heh, because I don't want to scare you..... I am one of those weirdos who's gotten some random ass side effects from meds (sjs REALLY like hospital worthy) from lamictal, etc. But rest assured, on lithium, you will be properly monitored for any possible dangerous side effects via blood work, and otherwise, if you don't get some REALLY FREAKY RARE s.e., lith is pretty great. I got a few tremors, some acne, etc., and maybe 5 lbs weight gain which went away after awhile (mostly water weight). Honestly, the most annoying thing for me was a kind of salty taste in my mouth a lot of the time..... eh. i think this could work well for you and is worth a shot. Most annoying s.e.s due to lith can be treated, fairly easily. And at low dose, you may find you get less of them..... If it were me I'd try low dose first, then consider increasing if you need to. Lith has a crappy rep mostly because during its original usage, docs pushed pts up to the VERY LIMIT of toxicity for years, which was unnecessary, and caused a lot of crap for pts over the long term. Lith is not used in that fashion anymore, and remember, you always have the option to go off it if it ends up being a pain for you. Anna I agree with every word you wrote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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