Posted by Jera on April 17, 2000, at 23:54:20
In reply to Re: åß?ƒƒ©??¬????˜µ÷=÷¨ª•ª!=-Janice, posted by Çåµ *. on April 15, 2000, at 16:27:25
I have been taking lithium for over 10 years, and have experienced none of the usual side effects associated with lithium use. I take 900mg a day, and have taken as low as 600mg a day and as high as 1200mg a day. I have experienced no weight gain, no acne, and no hair loss. Occasionally, usually during the summer, and only if I have not had enough water to drink, I may feel a bit "twitchy." Those on lithium must drink ample amounts of water to flush it from the system. Aside from the occasional bout of diarhhea, lithium has truly been a wonder med.
In response to Binary Woman, I would really question what this doctor is doing to your son with all of the med changes, and what kind of expectations he is giving you. It takes weeks, not days, for the effects of lithium to kick in and stabilize the nervous system. If your son is already in a full-blown mania, lithium is not going to do much to bring him down. Be patient. Lithium, by definition, is an anti-manic. Once his blood levels are adjusted, lithium should do a pretty good job of keeping him even.
And always remember that NO med is a cure, as much as we may sometimes want to believe it. Meds are just tools, they treat the symptoms. The real injury is to our core, and if we do the work to find out what our issues are, we all come closer to true healing. I like to quote Sarah McLachlan - "We are born innocent...we are still innocent." Believe that with all your soul. Be who you want to be, and be who you are, no matter how much the two may conflict. Love yourself. You are on a unique path that you have chosen and continue to choose to walk. Wouldn't it be great to just eventually BE, with a peaceful calm and love in our souls? Wish me luck, and I will bid you Godspeed.
poster:Jera
thread:29827
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000411/msgs/30424.html