Starting Lithium

Well, I'm starting Lithium Carbonate. I am honestly terrified about it...Any suggestions....I know you guys are probably tired of this question but I am 22 and curious. My parents have no idea they are just beginning to understand Bipolar Disorder. So I am coming to you guys...

[hrt3105]

not sure about the lithium, i', on lamictal which seems to be ok not supposed to have as many side affects,   someone will know an get to you i'm sure

[Amyjo101]

Other than stomach upset and being tired Lithium didn't bother my daughter at all. She has had very few negative side effects and the was able to tell a difference in her mood with in a few days.

[monkeyc]

I had no problems on lithium - yes a bit of nausea at the start is not unusual, make sure you eat something when you take it, watch your fluids and you will be fine.

Most of the side effects are rare, the common ones are increased thirst and sometimes fine motor tremors, make sure you are getting your levels tested regularly - it takes 4-6 weeks to reach full theraputic level but you should start noticing positive affects much sooner.

Hope it goes well, lithium is a great drug if you can take it, some people cannot due to thyroid issues and it just does not work in some people but on the whole its effective and inexpensive and not psychoactive so you wont feel zombied out.

And no we're not sick of it, ask away anytime you like, that is why we are here.

[jst4shanell]

It's been great for me.  In the beginning I had a little nausea and a lot of diarhea (diarrhea).  I crave sugar so I drink diet soda.  I also drink lots of water.  If I don't I get bad hand tremors.  I get mild hand tremors anyways.  It's not bad at all.  I was also really scared but it has the least amount of side effects of all the medication i'm taking.  No need to worry.  A lot of people are on it and are fine.  Hope this helps you out  :)

[jimgreg]

there's  nothing to be afraid of..this will help you feel better with in  3-4 weeks i never had any side affects from it at all..ive only been on it about 2 monthes..going Thursday to get a raise on it..im at the bottom 300 x2 aday..want to go to 450x2 aday..be sure to drink plenty of fluids and cut way back on cafeine..if ur lips tast like you were at the beach monkeyc on here told me i needed more water..MY MOOD ARE MORE STABLE BUT WE ALL GET OUT BOOST OF MANIC TIME TO TIME NOTHING WAY OUT BE SURE TO FOLLOW UP ON ALL BLOOD TESTS DONT MISS 1 SINGLE 1..THE DAY YOU GET UR TEST  TO SEE WHAT UR SEREM LEVELS ARE.. DONT TAKE THE LITHIM THAT DAY..ALWAYS WAITE THE DAY THAT YOU TALKE UR BLLOD..I TOOK MINE AT 11:00 AM..HAD THE BLOOD DRALD AT 12:PM..SO IT CAME BACK O.8..SO I HAD TO REDO IT THE NEXT TIME IT WAS 0.6...WITCH IS ON THE LOW END OF THRAPUTIC..I WANT TO BE AT0.9....ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE TAKING OVER A 1,000 MGS ADAY AND CANT GET TO 1.0 THEY MUST HAVE VERY GOOD KIDNEYS..THATS ANOTHER THING MOST ALL THE LITHIEM IS EXCREETED THREW UR KIDNEYS..UR DOCKTER WILL EVERY 3-6 MONHES GIVE YOU A THIROID TEST..I TAKE THAT BACK ABOUT #1 SIDE AFFECT TO ME IS MY EATING..IVE GAINED ABOUT 7 POUNDS..I LOST 55 OVER THE LAST 9 MONTHES...YOU CAN FIGHT IT..OR EAT WELL YOU BE FINE..OK THATS WRIGHT UR 22 NO PROBLEMS AT ALL......GOOD LUCK TOO YOU AND WELOME TO MEDHELP.ORG.............................JAMES

[helenaoftroy]

i am also on lithium, i have every side effect know to man, its terrible. i dont even know if it is the best thing for me. sometimes it stabilizes my moods sometimes its doesnt. i take 900 per day and last tested at .6 15hours after my last dose. i have stomach pain, chest pain, diahrrea, nausea, i cant eat half the time because my smell is messed up, i am sure i have lost alot of weight. my feet turn blue, i have a fine hand tremor, mostly in my dominant hand, the lack of coordination went away after the first week, it so *****, i am sure there are more but i am sleepy. just wanted to put my two cents in.  

[monkeyc]

If you are getting that many side effects then you need to change meds.  Seriously those are not something you should be getting on 900mg a day.