Lithium

[tk50]

Are there anybody out there who have also had the really BAD experience I had with lithium. My doc prescribed it in 2006 and I got steadily worse, rather than better. he still kept met on lithium, just kept increasing the dosage. Last year I got really sick, I lost my cognitive powers - couldn't see, hear, hold something in my hand, climb stairs, walk straight. I was off balance all the time. So I was sent to hospital and put on Epilim. What a relief! For the first time in 6 years I feel like a human again. No episodes in 4 months and I'm mixed state rapid cycling. While in the bad state my lithium level was checked every month, no toxicity was found! Along with the Epilim I also use Lamictal and very small amount of Risperidone.

[Brynyx]

I have been on 900mg a day for almost a month now.  I haven't noticed side effects from the lithium but definitely the Seroquel which has been reduced.  Normally I take 300 mg 3xday of lithium but dr wants levels higher without increasing dosage.  Last night was the first time I took all 900mg at once, just before bed.  Awoke to use restroom and it was like I was drunk, crashing into walls and little motor control.  Went back to sleep and woke this am feeling groggy and tremory

[TheMrsMatchbox]

I had a bad experience with seroquel. Was on a hell of a long nasty low despite taking antidepressants... The sedative effect got a bit better over time, but never fully wore off and I was always chasing my tail, I'm on sodium valproate now and things are much better. I'm supposed to take seroquel as soon as I feel hyper manic but I can't bring myself to do it, so I just ease off on the antidepressants for a bit.

[babybonita]

I'm glad you feel more yourself again. People react to medications differently , I tried lithium years ago & it gave me the runs & didn't seem to stabilize me.  I hope you continued success!

[taytay0308]

i take lithium btu i havent gone through anything like that though.. i have gained like 30 pounds on it and and got the shakes really bad.. when my dose was to high it made me throw up but nothing major...but it really has helped me come out of my funk other than being sleepy