Posted by Chloe on January 28, 2002, at 21:47:37
In reply to Re: The Uniqueness of Lithium? » Chloe, posted by bob on January 28, 2002, at 21:07:30
> Chloe:
>
> I have read about the burning scalp issue on this board. I could swear that more than one person complained of it, but maybe it was you. There were also complaints of brittle hair.Burning scalp, yup, that was me. Hair can also dry out over time. Using a mild shampoo and deep conditioner can really prevent that, along with a good diet and LOTS of h2o.
> There is another thing I'm worried about if I try that med: cold hands. I tried Topomax about year ago, and developed cold, painful hands while on it. The Topomax didn't work out, but the cold hand syndrome is still with me, often cycling on a daily basis. It is not painful, like it was on Topomax, but is very annoying and hard to ignore. People will shake my hand and then get startled and exclaim, "Wow, your hands are cold!" It's embarrassing. To my horror, while surfing the internet the other day to find out about the tolerability of Lithium, they mentioned that every once in awhile, a Raynaud's Syndrome type of effect develops on Lithium and the drug must be discontinued. The Syndrome is characterized my extremely cold, often discolored extremeties - especially the hands. Sometimes it has discomfort associated with it. I'm afraid I've contracted a form of it from the Topomax! The last thing I need is another drug contributing to it. I still may give it a go, though.I found topamax to be intolerabe too. The numb/cold hands and feet was very disconcerting. I am sorry you still have this issue. Have you consulted a doctor about this?
In terms of lithium (or any med!)and reports on the www, I would be very cautious. It is very easy to scare oneself. I didn't retry lithium for years because I read of all the horror stories about weight gain, hair loss, etc. And I had my own experiences of being on it for years in the eighties and having this horrendous hand tremor. I don't know how I managed, shaking like I did...But my retry on the ER formula was like a different, very effective med. Not at all what I remember or was rumored out there on the web.I can see why you would be leery about try anything that would exacerbate you cold hands...But you know what they say, "Cold hands, warm heart?" But seriously, I think you have to weigh the benefits of some relief from mental torture and some uncomfortable side effects. And I guess we have to be hopeful that any adverse effects that do develop aren't permanent...But untreated mental illness can become permanent too. The brain seems to get intrenched into patterns of depression, cycling or anxiety or whatever your issues are. And digging yourself out from this state can be extremely difficult, if not impossible as time elapses.
And finally, imho, there is no "perfect" drug. In fact, you may find that you have to keep trying different agents as your illness/issues and metabolism evolve. I encourage you to try something to help you with your pain as soon as possible. Do you have a good pdoc to work with? I am sorry you are suffering...
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:91836
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91949.html