Posted by Don_Bristol on May 1, 2006, at 8:14:31
In reply to Re: Is lithium any good?, posted by patrickhh on April 29, 2006, at 20:14:48
> > I need some info to introduce me to lithium.
> >
> > I've tried many of the antidepressants and so far the best has been Parnate. I am taking 50mg. (Here in the UK we think that is a lot.) The psyichiatrist tried adding the tiniest bit of one of the new neuroleptics (olanzapine) but I had too many side effects.
> >
> > My psychiatrist detects something in me and my presentation which makes him feel that lithium is worth trying. All I know about lithium is that blood levels need to be carefully monitord and that it is used for bipolar.
> >
> > Ny psych says "It's not used only for biploar" and I didn't pursue that point. So guys, QUESTION ONE: what else could he be thinking about using lithium for? Does lithium affect serotonin?
> >
> > QUESTION TWO Is lithium seen as a good med? All that blood testing seems to make lithium a lot of work. But is it worth it?
> >
> > QUESTION THREE. Can I take lithium with Parnate?
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > DOn
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> Actually Don, lithium seems to be the most studied augmenting agent for treatment-resistant depression. Studies show it to be pretty effective when used as an augmenting agent. Unfortunately, we don't know why it helps. It just does.
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> Blood testing is necessary because lithium has a very narrow therapeutic range. Take a little too much, and it can be lethal. So your doc wants to make sure you're on the right dose, in comparison to your metabolism.
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> Lithium and Parnate can be taken together.
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>patrick thank you for your level headed and informative reply.
poster:Don_Bristol
thread:637942
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060429/msgs/638708.html