Posted by Squiggles on July 5, 2007, at 15:08:29
In reply to Re: Should I stop taking my medication?, posted by ronaldo on July 5, 2007, at 14:45:03
> I've been on Lithium for 30 years. At average dose of 850 mg that is just over 9 kg of the stuff. My dx is also bipolar but only tentatively so. I don't think I could come off the Lithium now. How long have you been on it?
I've been on it since 1985 approx. at 900mg--
lithium carbonate.In earlier stages i experimented with coming off it, without my dr.'s knowledge; i quickly went back on it on one occasion, because i noticed the gradual descent into an attraction for morbid reading material. I guessed at depression coming, and I think i was right.
Other times, I have skipped or taken it erratically and noticed anxiety, insomnia, depression, and hypomania, but also the wonderful release from the physical symptoms.
I don't do that anymore because re-entry gives me a very bad chest and head effect, which i call "slammerino" -- probably a blood surge.
The last time was an epiphany. I mentioned before the old or botched or smaller amount from a different pharmacy, (at the same time Health Canada issued a warning for depleted lithium). I gradually (4-6 mo.) fell into a state of mania, depression (suicidal), rage, and physical non-stop agitation.
These symptoms were similar to pre-lithium days -- many yrs. ago, so I think it is right to conclude that bipolar disorder was resurfacing.
Add to that, the switch to my old brand, with the help of my dr. which stabilized me, and I think there is little doubt left that lithium treats my bipolar condition (the only variable i do not know about is whether the Synthroid itself could bring these symptoms on without the lithium).
But then again, i had those symptoms before Synthroid, so the alternative would by that I was hyperthyroidic. But i discussed that with my dr. and he said that i was tested for that before being put on lithium. So, i think, contrary to my friend's layman's opinion, i *am* bipolar.
>
>....
> Good luck whatever you decide to do.I decide to continue, unless my dr. says i really
can't take it anymore, due to side effects.
Do you like it? Have you ever tried anything else?
>Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:767262
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070630/msgs/767888.html