Posted by Ritch on March 27, 2002, at 13:57:27
In reply to Re: Should I increase my lithium?, posted by Geezer on March 27, 2002, at 13:48:39
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I am currently taking 60mg of prozac (which doestn't seem to be doing anything) and 600mg of lithium which doestn't seem to be doing anything either, although I am no longer agitated I feel flat, tired, depressed, sick and morose. I was wondering if maybe increasing the lithium would help, I'm not sure what to do, whether to increase it or ditch it. I've been taking the lithium for about 3 weeks now.
> > >
> > > I was wondering if anyone out there had had little response on a small amount of lithium only to up the dose and then find it suddenly worked.
> > >
> > >
> > > Alternatively should I up the Prozac.
> > >
> > > Note, I am aware that you have to be careful with lithium and have blood levels checked so won't be doing anything stupid.
> > >
> > > Denise
> >
> > NO!! It doesnt work that way. With lithium, you must have blood drawn and get a "lithium level" to see where the levels are. With lithium, the range must be in a very exact spot for it to have a theraputic effect. Too little lithium and you will probably feel like you describe...depressed as dirt, flat, etc. But too high lithium levels and it becomes toxic and can harm you physically. The only way is to have blood drawn, sent to a lab and have your psychiatrist determine whether you need to go to 900 mg or even higher.
> >
> > Old School
>
> Old School is CORRECT as usual.
> I am currently at 900mg. Lithium with a Lith. blood level of .55 this blood level is sub-theraputic. I THINK the theraputic range would be .7 to 1.0. I will be increasing Lith. dose to 1200mg. tomorrow (have delayed this a few days to get Lithobid perscription instead of regular Lith. Carbonate prescription from pdoc). I am also taking 1000mg. Depakote - hope to discontinue that gradually if Lith. does the job. May add Lamictal.
>
> GeezerHi,
I thought you were going to play around with Zonegran, what happened? :-) From what I have read over the years about lithium levels .5-1.5 mEQ is used for "short-term acute control" with .6-1.2 mEQ used for "maintenance". There have been some studies showing that maintenance blood levels all the way down to .3 mEQ are effective for some folks. Usually a min. of .45 is a target. FWIW, I found the "subtherapeutic" blood levels to be "therapeutic" for BPII symptoms.
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:99855
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/100583.html