Posted by Chloe on January 28, 2002, at 19:23:42
In reply to Re: The Uniqueness of Lithium?, posted by bob on January 28, 2002, at 0:07:01
I do agree that Li is a truly unique med, in that is not an anticonvulsant, but is a mood stabilizer. Where I don't agree is that it is harder to tolerate in the "depressed" phase. Lithium does have some serotineric properties that make lithium an antidepressant as well as an antimanic.
Lithium is one of my favorite "antidepressants". I feel rapid relief from depression when I take the initail 300 mgs. In fact, sometimes I feel a little "high" until the stabilization effects kick in.
If you do a search of the archives, both medlib and CamW gave me some great insight and info on lithium and how it "works" in the body. I think lithium is a wonderful med, that can be used for AD augmentation, for mood stabilization or mania. And I think it is widely underutilized in it's extended release form. I just wish I could tolerate it's side effects...Unfortunately I have had to turn to Depakote.Are you taking or planning a trial of lithium?
Chloe> I just found out through a little of my own sleuthing that Lithium is actually indicated as an "anti-manic" agent rather than a mood stabilizer. The info even said that the substance is easier to tolerate during the manic phase of bipolar illness than during a depressive phase.
poster:Chloe
thread:91836
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91921.html