fantod Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 I've just finished tapering off 1500 mg divalproex as directed by my pdoc. I was taking that dose of 1500 mg plus 1200 mg lithium for about two years. I'm still on the 1200 mg lithium. I'm starting to feel a little float-away, buzzy, maybe heading towards hypomanic. Pdoc will be contacted if this continues. I do hope it's just a period of adjustment while my body gets rid of the divalproex; I've been on it in varying doses and cocktails for seven years. What's the highest dose of lithium or other mood stabilizer your mania has broken through? I know I can go higher on Lithium if needed. Divalproex, though, please, I don't want to go back on it. I am maybe starting to feel a tiny bit clearer and less fogged-in without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hagar Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 When's the last time your serum levels were checked? I had regular breakthroughs of hypomania and then a full on mixed episode when I was on 12mg of Invega, which was the maximum dose. So far I've had nothing on lithium, but I've only been on it a few months so I'm no expert. I hope things start to level out. Seven years is a long time, maybe your body just needs to find its balance again without the dep. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonderful.Cheese Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 I agree. I would get your lithium levels checked if I were you. Ask your pdoc about it. You may just need an increase like you said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 I was thinking about your latest lithium level also. It might need to be tweaked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantod Posted November 4, 2013 Author Share Posted November 4, 2013 Whatever it was, it was over in a couple of days. My lithium level in summer was either .6 or .8 in the tech's scrawl, on the low side. I have more tests in a few weeks. Feeling crushed flat is safe and familiar. Thanks for replying. I am genuinely interested in breakthrough levels for different people so if anyone else wanted to weigh in, please do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterflykisses Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 My level is usually .6...but several times on the same dose it has been .9 and 1.2....because of dehydration...I am on 900 mg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hagar Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I'm glad it ended, fantod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantod Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Thanks. The worst of it was dysphoria, SI and drinking to shut my brain up, plus a little overspending, and starting senseless projects. The pages of semi-legible frantic journaling are just wasted time and paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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