Lithium and grogginess in the morning

[Gemsnknights]

Hey guys, I wanted to ask you all if you knew the reason as to why Lithium takers might have the tendancy to feel a little disorientated when they wake up. Also, I have anxiety and my doctor denied me Ativan and just increased my lithium. What should I do? I have recently started school and a new job and I don't want these changes to interfere with my life. Please send any help my way.

[Gemsnknights]

Hi, yes I have bipolar and have been on meds for two years but I was reduced in dosage, to 600 mg from 900 mg. Now my new doctor increased it again. I am really afraid that I'm going to get worse. I've been there and it's not pretty and I want to finish school and do other good things in my life. Every time I fe I have a disability of some sort, I feel discouraged as if I'm less than whole. I know this is not the case, but the stigma of everything does affect me. I am seeing a therapist and she is great, but there are still some emotional issues I need help in fixing and need the right council and help. The doctor feels he knows best and was reluctant, but I know myself best and know what helps me. The ativan is good because it relieves the mental tension and restores peace and I can function. I believe my problem is anxiety caused by situatiins: finances, mom, housing and then things get horrible. I freak out and lose my temper and let go of my emitions in not so good ways. I need help with that. I also feel a lot of stress because I wad diagnosed OCD and now I have that label over my head. I thought the symptoms had left and they returned suddenly with all the anxiety. I have a new job that I'm starting next week as well as school. I don't want to jeopordize those by how I am feeling now.

[nursegirl6572]

Hello and welcome!

How long have you been on the lithium?  I'm assuming you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (or other disorder) being that you're on the lithium?  Can you give us a little history, what you're diagnosed with and when, and what all you're taking?  Also, has therapy of any kind been a part of your treatment regimen?

Is the doctor who is managing your meds a psychiatrist?  If not, I recommend asking for a referral to one.  It sounds like you feel as though your doctor isn't sufficiently listening to your concerns, or addressing your issues.  

If that's the case, and you're fairly new with this doc, you could try telling him honestly how you feel.  Some docs actually appreciate a patient pointing out to them what they need, and how the doc maybe isn't delivering for them.  If an honest chat results in the doctor becoming defensive, then I would find another doctor.  It's important that your medication issues and concerns be managed by the prescribing doctor, and you want to have a doctor that you have confidence in and a decent comfort level.  The last thing a patient should ever feel like with their doctor is as if they are a burden, or a pain.  There are good doctors and bad doctors out there.  I can appreciate that they're busy people, but I'm just not okay with a doc who is consistently dismissive.  

Hang in there, and please keep us updated!