Posted by Ritch on January 3, 2005, at 13:01:18
In reply to Lithium side effects, posted by sac on January 3, 2005, at 10:29:18
> Hi, I have a question for anyone with experience with Lithium. I have bipolarII and so far have responded the best to Eskalith-CR (have been on Lamictal, Depakote, Neurontin,etc.) the problem is I am still at a very low dose 225 mg day (1/2 of the 450 mg. tablet) I increased per my doctors instruction to one full tablet or 450mg at night because I was becoming depressed again. The trouble is that at this dose I feel anxious, very irritable, and more depressed the next day. Will this go away. I really want the lithium to work. Do I just need to ride out this horrible feeling until it goes away. Also, how does Lithium help depression when it is primarily an anti-manic drug?? Thanks for you time. -Stacey
Hi, it could be the increased negative symptoms from the lithium is simply the natural progression of the depressive episode you are experiencing. I usually respond rapidly to medications and it took about 10 days minimum to get a response from lithium when I restarted it one time. (I don't know how long you've been at the higher dose of Li) You may need to add something to the lithium. I'd tell your doctor about your worsening situation. Sometimes Li can make you really dazed and flat feeling and that might be part of your trouble. I've never gotten agitated on it though. I think lithium helps with depression by reducing or down-regulating the number of serotonin receptors. I'm not sure on that one, others know more than I. I think it is supposed to help grow new brain connections as well.. Hope this helps.
poster:Ritch
thread:437179
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050103/msgs/437220.html