Lithium Withdrawal

Hi all

After a couple of weeks of reducing my 700mg daily dose, took my final Lithium tablet just over a week ago.  I followed doctors orders as to the withdrawal timescale, and they said it should not cause any problems.

They advised that it's just a type of salt, and is not even technically a drug, so it's not the same as withdrawing from other meds.  They were right in that it isn't anywhere near as bad as withdrawing from other meds, but since stopping it, I've noticed that I am a little more prone to tears, and feeling negative towards things.

At first I thought it was PMS / PMT, but it's now nearing the end of my period, and I'm still feeling the same.

I'd be interested to hear of other people's experiences withdrawing from Lithium, good and bad.

Some background:  I'm coming off Lithium, and switching to Lamictal, which I've been taking for the past couple of months.  I'm at 200mg per day now, which is my ongoing dose for now.

I wouldn't say I'm depressed, but it's sort of like that.  Maybe the Lamictal is keeping depression at bay?

I'd be grateful for any advice.

Thank you

[Gnil]

Hi there as far as I know Lithium is a mood stabilizer, but if you are doing OK!!! on you Lamictal that is great. Soooo!!!!! Keep up the good work???? One day at a time sweetie, and if it don't feel good back to the ol Doc Haha!!!

[LifeisGood342]

Hi Gnil

Thanks for responding!

Just to clarify, becuase I wasn't very clear.  The doctor didn't say Lithium wasn't a mood stabiliser; just that it is not a drug as such, becuase it's an element.  An element, that is a mood stabiliser, if that makes sense.

Lamictal has been really good; it's just this over emotional, negative feelings I've been having, which have only surfaced when I stopped taking Lithium.

If this feeling would go away, I would feel much better.  You're right though, I just need to take things one day at a time.

Knowing me, it's probably just PMS :-)

Thanks again!

[lindahand]

I hope it is just hormones and it goes away soon for you.

[LifeisGood342]

Thank you.  I'm feeling a bit better yesterday and today, so perhaps that's what it was!