Lithium and Seroquel

[Becks]

I'm not sure if this is in the right place, if not, mods please put it in it's proper home.

After the birth of Baby M, the postpartum crazies decided to pay me a visit. In addition to the 400mg of Seroquel IR I'm on, pdoc added in 900mg of Lith. For 2 weeks I titrated slowly up from 300mg to the 900mg. My issue is, since starting the Lith I have no energy, no desire to do anything, no motivation. I'm fine to just sit around all day and zone at the TV with the kids. It takes everything in me to get the dishes done or try to cook dinner. Last week, I began fighting with DH over stupid things, things that wouldn't ordinarily bother me. He could see that I was having a terrible time and has been home with me, taking care of everything and keeping watch over me since last Wednesday.

I guess my question is, is the low energy/lack of motivation a Lith thing that will get better over time? Will I stop zoning out for long periods? Or is this part of the depression/mixed up feeling and I need to give the Lith a little longer to work?

[rowan77]

Hi Beckette,

It sounds like you could be depressed. I'm on lithium 800mg, and have been up to 1000mg and never got that zoned feeling you're describing. Of course, everyone is different and the lithium could be causing you to feel like this.I don't know. One thing I do know is that Lithium can take a while to take full effect. I'm on almost the same med combo as you except I'm also on prozac 20mg and I don't have any significant side effects thankfully. My advice is give the lithium more time. And call your pdoc if symptoms persist. Maybe you need an anti-depressant...can you tolerate them?

[Alice]

I also started lithium about two weeks ago, and although I'm keeping my domestic scene together, I'm not really at the top of my game. I also feel tired and pretty nauseous. If I had a new baby and my other kids were small I'd be in front of the TV too! In fact that's where I really want to be most of the time, but my kids are older so I can manage the household stuff pretty much. Cooking is tough, and I try to avoid it as much as possible.

I agree with rowntree. I think you need to give the lithium more time. But this is a very stressful time for you. New babies are wonderful, but I remember how exhausting those early days were. No wonder you are fighting with your husband. It's overwhelming. Call your pdoc see what he or she thinks. It's great that your husband understands, you need his support. Give him a hug. It will make you feel good. Best to you all.

[bpladybug]

Beckette, I am on the same combo - 900 mgs Lithium 300 mgs Seroquel

I think you need to give it more time - but start journaling or using a mood chart.

It would help to keep track of your moods.

I have just a little bit of the lethargy - not as bad as what you are suffering.

If this continues to be a problem in a few weeks then discuss it with your doctor

and I assume you still have something hormonal going on

[Becks]

Thanks everyone!

As for the AD, I'm petrified to even suggest one to my pdoc. Every AD I've ever been on has produced bad, bad results for me. The last time, landing me in the hospital and on constant watch. Of course, I wasn't on a mood stabalizer then, but I'm still panicky about it.

I'll try and wait it out a few more days and see if I get better or worse. I hate that I'm not able to hold everything together right now. It's causing me a lot of anxiety. I keep worrying about the what if's and my hands are always shaky. I feel guilty that I don't have enough energy to put on the kiddies right now and that DH has had to take time off of work. He's even been the one getting up at night with Baby M in an effort to curb any psychosisy stuff from happening. My oldest son has an appt. in my pdoc's office on Thursday, maybe I'll try and talk to him then.