side effects from taking lithium long term

[HEADROOM]

I have been taking Lithium for nearly 30 years. I am beginning to have health problems and am not sure what to put down to taking Lithium for such a long period. My doctor is not very helpful in so much as he only wants to treat one problem at at a time, whereas if he looked at the whole picture of all symptoms he might be able to diagnose. I am worried about my memory and wondering if having a large glass of wine 3/4 times a week is detrimental. My age is 61 so I do not know if it is something to do with it. I stopped working about a year ago. Are there any people that have taken Lithium long term and if so what side effects did they have.

[Mau881]

I too have much trouble sleeping..getting over and staying asleep I don't know though if it's lithium causing it though I'm on 600mg this past 2yrs was on it before for 5 years and weaned off with doctors approval.I can't remember if it effected my sleep at that time mustn't have as I think I would remember if it had. I've never been a good sleeper least we thing would've woke me when I did sleep more than I do now. It's an awful thing to deal with I know but I'd rather have that than the effects of bipolar raise it's head. Ive also been added in Sertaline for a low mood I've been going through and now 2 weeks ago Lamotrogine was added too which I believe the latter one is helping me thanks be to God.

[Shad22]

Both of my parents have been on lithium for about 45 years. They are 78. My dad does have reduced kidney function40% but he seems fine.  (Could also be from history in family of diabetes). Mom does have issues with sleeping melatonin helps her.  It won't hurt you and as far as I know doesn't affect her other drugs. They are both dealing with dementia at this time.  Moms in a home and dad is still living alone, although I don't know for how much longer.  They both have outlived their parents age by a lot and lived a great life.  Lithium is my favorite drug.  It made our life happy and a good one.  They would tell you the same

[mazbo]

I have been taking lithium for just about six weeks, started on 400mg's and I have seen the consultant last week and have had the dose increased to 600mg he said that I'll probably stay on this dose otherwise any higher and side effects occur.
This last week I have noticed that I have had so much trouble sleeping, which is really getting me down. I'm so tired in the day due to lack of sleep through the night.
Can anyone tell me if they've had the same problem on lithium. If it causes insomna and if it lasts? Or is it just a blip at the beginning?

[HEADROOM]

Thank you Iladvocate for your reply, I have just joined and hope to glean some information from the site. Today I am ok but have been awake since 4.30, seems different aches and pains wake me up early and the only remedy is to get up and the pain goes away. Thankfully I don't have to work anymore so I can get up and go to bed when I like. Hope you have a good day.

[PinkBUNNYSA]

Good day. I was on Lithium 4 5 years and I suffered with dry mouth night terrors. My memory was also bad. I self medicated with alcohol for a long time and landed up in hospital because of it. I also have colestoral and chonic heart burn meds. So my liver can no longer support both. Just a comment dont know if it would assist. Take car.

[ILADVOCATE]

Lithium can interact with alcohol so its not a good idea. Lithium can cause long term kidney damage but that's what the blood tests monitor for. If the levels of what they are testing for are normal that would generally indicate everything is fine. If you have any kind of health problem see a general physican and let them know you are taking lithium and they will see what is going on. It may not neccessarily be from the lithium.