Lithium

Hello,

My psych. tried me on all of the newer atypicals, and I couldn't tolerate any of them.  She talked me into giving lithium a try.  I'm also working my way up to 400 mg. of Lamictal a day, but that is so expensive, I don't know if I can afford it.

My questions are about lithium.  I was hesitant to try it because of its reputation for causing weight gain.  She started me on just 450 mg a day, and I already feel better.   I have terrible insomnia, but I had that before the lithium anyway.  She gave me ambian, and that's not touching the insomnia.  I'm also taking Topamax for bulimia, and I think that's causing the insomnia.

So do any of you take lithium?  What have been your experiences?

[chicibo]

Hi

I used to be on lithium, but it wasn't right for me.  The combination of the lithium and prozac just wasn't a great mix for me.  I did experience a little weight gain, but it was due to fluid retention.   Lithium is a salt based drug.  My advice would be not to use extra salt in your diet while you're on lithium, and try to drink water, herbal teas, or at a pinch black coffee rather thank milky or sugary drinks that will encourage weight gain.  I did get thirsty a lot while on Lithium.

On the insomnia front, I take a drug called Phenergan.  It's an antihistimine.  I don't take it every night, as you can feel quite drowsy the next day.  I just take it when I'm feeling really strung out and haven't slept in a while.

Good luck, hope this helps.

[Venora Moonwind]

lithium will destroy the thryoid so keep it checked on a regular basis.There are much better meds than lithium and i really wish they would quit presribing it. It is a dangerous destructive med and the bad out weighs any benefit you can get from it.It is sooo medeviel to keep prescribing this drug.Talk to your doc about the thyroid and see if there is a different med you can get on. I take celexa and zyprexa and they work great for me. I have lost the weight I gained initially on the zyprexa with 6 small meals a day and walking with my dog every evening. I take my meds at night and they help with my sleep too.
Love Venora

[izzie163]

I have been on lithium for over a year now and gained 7kgs in the first week and total of 20kg. I was on Epilim for a long time and gained over 40kgs during this time. When I stopped I lost the 40kgs just like that. With the lithium I am now excericising regularly including hard work outs with kickboxing, walking and gym. I haven't lost any weight and am thinking it is mainly water retention from the lithium . I am now on 250mg of lithium and zeldox since a reduction in dec 2010 but still no weight loss. Help !!! any tips on reducing the effects of the fluid retention!

[ILADVOCATE]

  If there is a concern with water retention it would be essential to discuss this with your psychiatrist. There are medications that could treat this and regardless they should know. If its caused by weight gain they could provide specific dietary advice or if needed refer you to a nutritionist.