Posted by barbaracat on April 6, 2005, at 13:25:51
In reply to risperidone and lithium, posted by Deb200 on April 2, 2005, at 14:55:57
Dear Deb,
I too have agitated depression and obsessive worry that was finally diagnosed as bipolar mixed states disorder. Lithium has made a tremendous difference in my life. After over 20 years on every imaginable antidepressant, suffering miserably and getting worse, I can truly say that, although not perfect, my life is now measured Before Lithium and After Lithium. The ONLY down side is that it's my my hypothyroidism worse, but as long as I keep on top of my thyroid meds, it's fine. It can also put on weight (this is also true of the antipsychotics which are even worse weight gainers) but it's given me an incentive to move my butt more.I've also been on Zyprexa and Seroquel, both with and without lithium and did NOT like them. We're all different and some find that these antipsychotics work like a charm for the agitated hell. For me, I felt dopey and more depressed. I since found out I don't do well on meds that have a strong anti-histamine component, like the antipsychotics do. Instead of agitated and depressed, I feel dulled and depressed.
So I'm a very enthusiastic fan of Lithium, although I'm not a typical user of it. I take it in a very small dose - 600mg - which works just fine. But I have to dig my heals in and refuse to raise that dose based on the 'therapeutic window'. You will most likely be pressured by your doc to have blood tests and reach a therapeutic level, but this level is not appropriate for everyone and too much can cause severe problems.
Lithium also has neuroprotective properties and helps grow new dendrite connections, actually heals instead of suppressing. Lithium augments serotonin and will boost whatever med you're currently on. So, even if you need to stay on risperadol, lithium will make the ride smoother and you'll require less of your other meds.
If it were me, I'd start with 450mg extended release and see how it goes before slowly raising it. This small amount is enough for some people and there's really no hurry to push it too fast. The full effect takes about 3-4 weeks, but you will feel a calming and smoothing within 3 days, definitely in 1 week.
If you decide to try Lithium, I urge you to listen closely to your body and not allow the dose to be raised any higher than you know is enough. You may feel some tremors and nausea and tiredness and peeing alot the first week of every dose increase, but if this persists past the second week, it's too much. Too much too fast is what gives Lithium a bad rap and it's a shame cause for those who respond to it, it's a true miracle drug. Plus, it's cheaper than dirt cause it's a natural element. Good luck and keep me posted. - BarbaraCat
> I am in a very agitated state..unable to focus, excessive worry, obsessive thoughts...my doc just put me on risperidone, 2 mg 2x per day. I also just started lithium for bipolar. He thinks lithium will negate the need for the risperidone once it kicks in. What is anyone's experience regarding risperidone for anxiety? And/or lithium...how long did one need to take it before it started having an effect...thanks
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poster:barbaracat
thread:478999
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050404/msgs/480719.html