Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
20891998 tn?1576631007

Has anyone tried Lithium?

Hi I am bipolar II. I was on Lamictal, but just did not seem to work anymore. So my Dr. wants me to try Lithium,and I am scared to try it. Any advice? Oh, I am on Wellbutrin SR as an antidepressant. Thanks
8 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Everyone has their own reaction to meds, so someone else's experience might not match yours.  You also have a diagnosis that isn't classic bipolar.  Bipolar 2 is a form of depression that manifests in certain ways, but it isn't a psychosis as true bipolar is so taking antipsychotics isn't necessarily going to help any better than an antidepressant.  It might, it might not.  It's more likely to have certain side effects, but not necessarily for you.  I might add, if you tolerate wellbutrin, a highly stimulating antidepressant, and it doesn't drive you into something like manic behavior, you might want to ask your psychiatrist if you do need an antipsychotic for a non-psychotic diagnosis.  But only trying it will tell you how you will react to it, unfortunately.  
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
Thank you for your reply. However, I disagree with the statement that my diagnosis is not "classic" bipolar. The main difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders lies in the severity of the manic episodes caused by each. Bipolar 1 disorder causes mania, and may cause depression, while bipolar 2 disorder causes hypomania and depression.
Furthermore,people with bipolar I can experience a broader range of symptoms than those with bipolar II, but both can go through psychosis. Therefore, Lithium carbonate is the most commonly prescribed long-term drug to treat long-term episodes of depression and mania or hypomania (BP1 AND 2)(https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-1-vs-bipolar-2#symptoms12/18/19).  

In bipolar 2, lithium helps with depression, and as a mood stabilizer. Oftentimes, individuals perceive BP 2 as not "true" bipolar because they do not see the episodes of hypomania. Therefore, they only see the depressive side, which can be very very severe. Thoughts and attempts of suicide are common, I should know, I just got out of the hospital for a near fatal suicide attempt. which would be my 3rd. I have had many attempts, but only 3 near fatal attempts since I was 12yrs old. I do know when I am having a hypomania episode, my friends and family notice as well.

**Here are some key points about bipolar disorder.****
-Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that involves severe abnormalities in mood.
-The person experiences alternating bouts of mania or hypomania and depression, which may involve psychosis.
-Episodes may last several weeks or months, with periods of stability in between.
-It can be managed with medication, but it may take some time to find the right dose and combination.(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010.php,12/18/19)

I have done some research and critical thinking about your statement that BP2 is not a bipolar disorder. As you can see I found some solid information. Please do visit these sites for more information. Take Care Rinas4

Are you thinking of Cyclothymia?The DSM-V classifies it separately from bipolar disorder, because the mood changes are less dramatic. It is considered the 3rd form of BP.
Yes I was on lithium a very high dose for the majority of my youth and young 20s I slowly tapered prior to having my life together, and carefully and j mean carefully lowering due to enrolling in my hot yoga teacher training which was intense and if you sweat too much on lithium you get like shock electric shock you can cause too much salt toxicity or some thing I was on it forever and I don’t know what that person is talking about but it’s absolutely bipolar I don’t know what classic bipolar as I believe you I went through exactly what you did I’m now on Lamictal because I’ve gotten my life together but I still have bouts of depression/mania. Honestly, Too exhausted to explain my whole story but if you need help or any questions or anything please reach out to dm me as I know jt can be frightening trying new meds.
Hi SHenry734.  Thanks for your comment.  Has hot yoga helped you? I just was researching that.  And you feel like lamectal helps better than lithium?  
973741 tn?1342342773
Hi there. Bipolar has gotten complex over the years with bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 and everything in between!  My dear friend has been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and to me, she is often more classic in her presentation but I'm no doctor. The important thing is that she receives treatment and medication that really helps. She's on lamictal  as well.  She has not attempted suicide but her lows are scary.  I'm sorry you have been there as well and to the point of trying to take your life.  I AM quite glad though that you are in tune with your bipolar/mental health and working diligently with a doctor.  When my friend spirals, it happens when she is not being cooperative with those things. paxiled is a lay person here and not a doctor, nor am I.  You, as the person with bipolar, are probably much more versed than either of us.  :>) Take what you read with a grain of salt here but  know everyone just tries to help.  I had years of dealing with mental health disease that was not my own to deal with but learned a lot during that time.  But, that is going to be different than what you've experienced living it.  

Now, my best friend when she is having hypomania, it is apparent very quickly to me and her loved ones.  She is often upset when it is pointed out to her but she is probably older than you so is well aware of 'what is next' which is depression that is so awful for her. If we can catch her before she gets there, all the better.  But she greatly enjoys the high of mania.  Sigh.  She feels on top of the world and like nothing can stop her.  

What is your fear of taking lithium? From all I've read, it helps at both ends of bipolar and is very well studied.  It helps tone down mania and improve depression.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Lithium as with other medications have different side effects with certain people.  

It has worked for me to date.  It is important to have your blood monitored and to understand what the level indicates.  I started on a higher dose when I was in the treatment phase and then over time had the dose reduced to where it is now which is within the maintenance phase.  

But I also attend many groups, with one specific to bipolar.  I learn through the meetings how to manage the ups and downs that still will occur.  The meds are only part of the remedy.  Life is still going to have happiness and sadness.  These I deal with by connecting with others, so I have a stronger support system and don’t deviate to alcohol to try and manage my emotions.   Good luck in the journey and I hope you find a path that will give pleasure and comfort.  Bipolar is manageable.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I strongly suggest lithium. My bipolar was beginning to sky rocket very quickly and once I began taking it at a therapeutic level (0.4 being the min recommended dose) my stability has been so much better. I have no negative side effects, and it works better than the other mood stabilizers I’ve tried. One more thing that is sort of unrelated to bipolar, but lithium has cured my dissociation as well. All around it’s been helpful. (Although you can’t drink alcohol while on it)
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Lithium had been suggested for my son due to intrusive thoughts (of suicide) with his major depression.  We didn't end up going that route as the dose wouldn't have improved his depression/anxiety symptoms and we really NEEDED that. So, we thought we'd hold off until later to see if we could treat him without lithium for now. Anyway, it prompted me though to do a lot of research on lithium.  It IS a pretty amazing little mineral.  The interesting things I was reading on how it improves cognition, for example.  I'm really glad it is working for you!  How long have you been taking it? You'd tried some of the other atypicals?  
Not having any issue with this except your use of the term atypicals.  Lithium is used two different ways.  One is a medication with a very strong dose that can be very hard to tolerate.  It's used for psychosis.  Lithium as a mineral is a much lower dose you can buy at a supplement store.  Don't know if it does much.  Atypicals are when certain meds are used for someone for something they weren't intended to be used for or for drugs that just don't fit in any category largely because they didn't work very well in clinical trials for what they were originally invented for.  If you have depression and/or anxiety, you don't start with drugs for psychoses because those drugs are much harder for most people to take, compliance therefore is typically difficult, and they have more profound effects on the brain.  You start with meds designed for the much lesser illness of depression or anxiety.  If nothing works, you end up with the quote unquote atypicals.  
20918482 tn?1649430587
Yes I tried Lithium about 20 years ago for depression and bipolar disorder.It did not harm me but at the same time it did not help me.I don't know if the correct dosage was never achieved or if my system just wouldn't accept the medication.Anyway,I'm back on lamotrigine-200MG twice a day.Topiramate 100MG twice a day and have been so for the last 20 Years plus.I also take 60Mg of cymbalta once a day which has also been the case for 20 years plus.Do not take my word for it though.In the 1940(S) and 1950(S) Lithium was a main stay for mental disorders.You will have to take regular blood tests to check the amount of lithium in your body so that your dosage can be adjusted accordingly.I can only wish you the very best as this decision can only be made by you.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
People keep suggesting lithium for my son for intrusive thoughts.  I guess there is some literature that it does prevent suicide. But you have to go to the top doses for help with other symptoms which has a lot of toxicity.  So hard to find the right med combination. Glad you found yours
20918482 tn?1649430587
Yes I've tried lithium.I was on this medication for a while 20 years for depression and bipolar disorder.It did not help or work for me.Why,I do not know.
If your Son is put on this medication make sure he has regular blood tests to check the level of lithium in his system so his dosage can be adjusted to make sure that the level of lithium in his body is not too high as this can be dangerous.I'm not trying to scare you.Lithium was a main stay drug for mental disorders in the 1940(S) and 1950(S). A good doctor will monitor your Son's lithium level to be sure He's in the safe zone.If you decide to let him be put on it I truly hope it helps him.I don't know why it didn't help me but that doesn't mean it won't help him.I've been on Cymbalta,Lamactal,and Topimate for over 20 years now.A word to the wise.Never ever let any doctor put you or anyone you care about on CYMBALTA.You'll never get off of it.It's the most addictive anti-depressant on the face of the earth.People spend years trying to get off of it.Don't believe me.Read up on it.It helps with pain along with other things but it also removes passion from your personality which has not been a problem for me.But it is addictive and within 3 days of trying to get off of it you'll see what I'm trying to tell you.Don't let a Doctor put you on it.You'll regret it.To everyone please try to find happiness in these trying times in 2022.
Helpful - 1
15242955 tn?1534438461
I was diagnosed bipolar  by a psychiatrist based on my hyperactivity,  mood swings,  spending habits ie impulsive , extravegant spending.  I became this way from taking Rx Parnate.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi. I am also bipolar II. I have been taking Lithium since about 2004. It has simply stabilized my mood so I didn't experience any more hypomania. I personally did not experience any bad side effects.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Bipolar Disorder Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.