Posted by wraith on June 25, 2004, at 6:47:21
In reply to lithium augmentation ANYBODY!!!!!!!, posted by scatterbrained on June 25, 2004, at 1:33:28
Scatterbrained,
I was placed on Lithium and Amitriptyline after a combination of Surmontil (TCA), Nardil (MAOI) and tegretol failed to lift me from depression. I was diagnosed with severe uni-polar depression.
The lithium augmentation was very much a last stab by my Psychiatrist who thought we might be heading towards ECT. Because of my very low mood - near suicidal - I was also given for a short time Lorazepam to 'knock me out' until the lithium and Amitriptyline began to work.
This was 3 months ago and I have never looked back. My mood began to rise after a couple of weeks and each week my wife has commented that it has continued to get better. Also the 'brain fog' or confusion which I had begun to accept as being a part of me has lifted and I now feel mentally sharp and ready to return to work.
Overall I think I am better than well. I have had mild depression most of my life, punctuated with major depression. At this time I am feeling better than I ever did and this is feeding through to all aspects of my life.
I think my long term prognosis is to reduce Amitriptyline to a maintenance dose of 25mg but continue on Lithium - possibly for life.
I hope lithium works as well for you as it has for myself.
All the best
poster:wraith
thread:359993
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040621/msgs/360128.html