Posted by Janelle on March 28, 2003, at 13:55:32
In reply to Lithium blood levels - WHAT IS GOING ON?, posted by ace on March 27, 2003, at 21:03:44
My pdoc would not even *let* me go for a lithium blood level test until I was on the stuff for one WEEK - 7 days - I still thought that was not enough time, but he said it takes about 7 days for Lithium to achieve a "steady state plasma" level in the blood.
I am GUESSING that what you have memtioned has to do with not giving it enough time for the Lithium to build up then remain at a steady level (that will vary from person to person and by dose).
Also, I think that 900 mg is the minimal dose to get into the therapeutic blood range, for MOST people, on average. If you take less than that, your lithium blood level will probably be less than whatever the lowest number in the range is.
Whatever you do, do NOT increase to 1000 mg without discussing it with your pdoc. Many people can handle even higher than 1000 mg, but I could not tolerate *only* 900. One has to be VERY careful with Lithium in the beginning while trying to achieve the proper dose.
Good luck!
poster:Janelle
thread:213613
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030325/msgs/213806.html