jordansonfleek Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Ever since I started Lithium about 4 weeks ago, I developed something like a neck twitch where my head tenses up and spazzes, kind of like a little shake back and forth (I don't know what this is called). I don't know how noticeable/subtle it is but I feel like other people can notice it. It only happens when people say words that grab my attention for example if I hear someone say bipolar in my support group or at my job, my head does It. I was watching Homeland (female lead has BP and on lithium for anyone who isn't familiar with it) and she was talking about her Lithium and my head/neck did it, every time the word was said! This was very embarrassing because I was with my girlfriend. I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else or what it could be from? How did you fix it?! It makes me so anxious every time it happens and I'm scared that someone at my job or class will notice!! PS- Since I have started Lithium, I have also been startled more easily (I am already a very easily startled person before). I also notice that my public speaking anxiety has risen- after I was just beginning to get it under control. My voice gets shaky and I feel like I can't talk when talking in front of people, which is much more severe than it was before. I'm not sure if these 3 are related but I REALLY REALLY appreciate any input/experiences anyone can share!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gearhead Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 I took lithium for a few years, and I don't remember anything like that. I think you should call your doctor as soon as you can, it even your pharmacist, just to see if that reaction is something that happens at loading doses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 I would call your DR also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyRedhead Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Agree with everyone else....You should let your doc know ASAP what you're experiencing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowan77 Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 I took lithium for 13.5 years and in all of that time I never experienced those symptoms. It could be a totally separate issue or it could be related. As others have said, call your pdoc and explain your symptoms to him/her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien Navel Cord Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 I think I can sort of relate, and it started for me before starting the lithium. Mine's a nervous thing. My head and neck freeze, tense up, and then it shakes a little, like I've got some sort of problem. it's weird, and I hope others cannot sense it or tell what is happening. Also sometimes if I am talking to someone and look them right in the eye my mouth turns into a frown. I don't know why! So I try to not make direct eye contact everytime the person is speaking. I try ti look elsewhere. Which might be rude but hey, it's better than me frowning at you suddenly. Sigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 7 hours ago, Alien Navel Cord said: Also sometimes if I am talking to someone and look them right in the eye my mouth turns into a frown. I don't know why! So I try to not make direct eye contact everytime the person is speaking. I try ti look elsewhere. Which might be rude but hey, it's better than me frowning at you suddenly. Sigh. What I do is look at a person's mouth ... it is one thing to look at as opposed to 2 things (both eyes). When I look at someone's eyes I find I lose track of what I am thinking/talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 When I took Lithium I developed a minor, intermittent tremor in my hands. My doctor prescribed cogentin, which helped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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