lithium and toxins

Hi,

once in a while when I take my meds without food, I feel very ill, almost flu-like.
I get hot and cold and hang out by the toilet. my pdoc hasn't sent me for bloodwork in a few months or more (can't remember last time I went... ok, I checked my calendar; Nov 19 and I started lithium Nov 27). I have a thyroid problem and it runs in the family. I've already been told to look for a new pdoc.

I just want to know what the symptoms are if you are getting toxic from the lithium... anyone know??  Thanks!

[ILADVOCATE]

A bloodtest for lithium is required once a month. If you feel this sick go to the doctor now. That doesn't mean its lithium toxicity but it should be checked out. You may be sick for other reasons. And of course they will do a lithium level test while you are there probably among other bloodtests. And if you don't have a severe problem with lithium but just feel sick when you take it without food ask your psychiatrist about Lithobid which is the coated form. That stopped that problem for me. What concerns me far more than lithium toxicity is why your psychiatrist is not having you have bloodtests once a month. That's part of the standard work up for lithium.

[monkeyc]

These are not unusual symptoms for taking Lithium without food but you need blood work - I get nasueous and diarroeah if I do not take it with food.

See your doc - you dont neccesarily need bloods once a month in maintenance but at least every 8-10 weeks is tha max you should be going without.

[Jester2005]

Thanks for your comments. I did ask him on Wednesday when I saw him when my next bloodwork would be. He said next visit, in about 4 weeks. This week was week 10 since my last test... He also says that I don't need it because I'm on a low dosage right now. (300mg at night)

[freebird227]

I can understand his reasoning because of dosage....what concerns me are the thyorid issues I've been on lithium for 7 years taking different mg 300 600 900 right now I am on 900. Eating something is a must I usually do breakfast bars or sometimes ensure don't like breakfast At 900 mg I also drink lots of warter. My regular md does my lithium levels and I also don't get them done monthly maybe 3 times a year. Hand tremors can come and go I also think that may come from the lithium staying in your system to long. You could research that or ask your phar.  Good luck I hope all goes well