Lithium side effects???

I'm on Lithium 300mg twice a day but my doc cut me down to 1 a day because my ankles and legs are swollen up like an elephant. Has anyone else had this happen, does it go away after you are on it for awhile? I;ve been on it 2 weeks and aside from shaking a lot that's the only side effect. I also take Geodon 120 mg. a day. Don't think it was Geodon because it didn't happen until I started the Lithium.
I try to drink a lot of water to flush my system out but it's not helping. I have a mild diueretic but it doesn't make a dent in the swollen ankles and legs.
I'm tired of trying all these treatments, if this one keeps me steady I'm happy. Not looking for perfection just a drug that gives me relief from this bipolar nightmare. Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks so much for reading!!

[DLA]

Possibly you are drinking too much water?  Have the drs told you to drink a lot of water?  They know now if you drink too much it can cause kidney damage.  It over loads the kidneys and it more than they can handle.  Drs now advise to drink only when you're thirsty.

If not have you considered it might be something else wrong with you and not related?

[triedeverymed]

I don't drink enough water. I try but I have to force down 32 ounces so I know it's not due to too much water.

[triedeverymed]

Oh, I've also had other tests run to see why I'm retaining water but all tests came back fine. It;s confusion???

[DLA]

You should have your thyroid checked since you've been on Lithium.  It destroys thyroid tissue.  Can also cause swelling.

I'm assuming that your dr has run blood work on your kidneys to make sure they are functioning normally and this doesn't have anything to do with it.

You need to make them keep working on it until they find the problem.  Adema is not anything to mess with.  Can eventually lead to other problems.

[Crystlas]

I take 1450mg a day of Lithium and my blood test runs at .9, which is perfect.  Everyone is different for their levels.  I started at 900mg a day.  Sounds like you were on a starting dose, no wonder you are still frustrated with mania!  I am so sorry.  Anyhow, I just got a little shakey (shaky) for about three weeks and then Lithium took to me like a miracle drug.  Really helped out mania.  It was that depression I had to work on, and finally getting well from it too on my Wellbutrin.  Have they tried you on Lamictil?  It balances both ends.  I could not use it because it caused my migraine headaches to flair up.  Some sort of interaction with my BC pill hormones.  Anyhow, hope this helps!

[Pills404]

I don't believe in cutting back on lithium, if that is causing the swelling go to a different med, try " Divalproex".  Cutting back can cause a manic episode and you don't want that. You can also try another doctor that specializes in Bipolar Disorder.
Good luck and go for it!