LovelyS Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 I just started on Lithium yesterday, I'm taking 300mg to begin with. I'm not sure if the nausea, vomiting, feeling off is a side effect or something else (like a stomach virus)....... Is it possible to feel side effects this early off? Also, I don't drink a lot. Ever. My daily fluid intake consists of two-three mountain dews (bad I know). However, I saw on the medication bottle that I am supposed to increase water intake. What could happen if I don't? Thank you for any reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larkspur Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 More important than increasing water intake is to be consistent with your level of hydration. The level of lithium in your blood depends on how much you pee. Increase gradually (for example - drink a full glass with your dose) and try to be consistent. Yes, it is possible for you to feel side effects. Lithium is tough on the stomach, but it does get better. Can I ask, are you taking the capsules or the tablets? The extended release tablets may have fewer GI side effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovelyS Posted April 18, 2015 Author Share Posted April 18, 2015 Thank you for your reply. I will try to be consistent with more water intake. Also, I am taking the capsule. He wants me to increase to two capsules daily next week, and the week after that I am supposed to take once capsule in the morning and two at night if needed. What the heck is the "if needed" part? Isn't lithium supposed to be consistent? I mean if I take one lithium pill one night and two the next wont my levels be off? The "if needed" part threw me off a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fluffypinkbunny Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 I hope you're felling better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovelyS Posted April 18, 2015 Author Share Posted April 18, 2015 He never ordered any labs or even mentioned labs for that matter. The only way I knew about labs needing to be ordered was because of an information sheet they gave me. I will call the office Monday to talk to them about it. And yes, I take the light pink capsule. I'm a light weight when it comes to medication. Thanks for your reply! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 I agree with asking about the blood work and when your pdoc will be starting to have you get it done. What the heck is the "if needed" part? Isn't lithium supposed to be consistent? I mean if I take one lithium pill one night and two the next wont my levels be off? The "if needed" part threw me off a little. The "if needed" part would confuse me too. I've also always thought of lithium to be consistent. IMO your levels will be affected if you take varying doses of lithium on different days. That;s why the blood tests are important .. to get a baseline and therapeutic maintenance dose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 Sylvan, I seem to remember someone (maybe SashaSue?) telling me that aspirin and Excedrin were okay. Do you know anything about that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larkspur Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 (edited) Aspirin and tylenol are okay, as is Clinoril (sulindac), a prescription-only NSAID. http://pro.psychcentral.com/what-to-remember-about-lithium/001595.html ETA: Excedrin is okay. Its active ingredients are caffeine, aspirin, and Tylenol. Just keep in mind that caffeine can impact lithium level as well. Edited April 18, 2015 by larkspur Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted April 19, 2015 Share Posted April 19, 2015 Thank you, both of you. That was my recollection, but suddenly I didn't feel comfortable with my memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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