Posted by Squiggles on August 19, 2007, at 16:10:38
In reply to Re: Did Lithium make me irritable and anti-social? » Squiggles, posted by Maximus on August 19, 2007, at 15:54:25
> > > Yes lithium can make someone irritable. It's not very common though.
> > >
> > > Sexual dysfunction may also be a side effect when used with an SSRI. Also in the long run, lithium decreases testosterone.
> > >
> > > A competent psychiatrist will always use a low dose of lithium with an anticonvulsant to manage side effects and get better results.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Hi Maximus,
> >
> > How do you know that? All the medical books
> > have the same regulations about dose; including
> > Dr. Nemeroff Clinical Guide.
> >
>
> Hi,
>
> Sorry i'm late. I know what you mean. The lithium's "protocol" is excatly the same, everywhere, IF you take it alone for the treatment of bipolar I disorder. I spare you the details, but as you already know the classical goal is to achieve a blood level of approx 0.8 mml/L, and bla bla bla.
>
> Otherwise, if lithium is taken as an add-on for the treatment of bipolar II or for the treatment-resistant depression then the original lithium guidelines is not followed. Often better results are achieved with fewer side effects.
>
> It is based on empirical evidences of new abstracts and the experiences of some "virtual" friends.
>
> M.Thanks,
I believe you. Infact, if i were not taking a benzo, it is possible that my li dose would be higher, but i doubt that such fine tinkering is part of general medical policy. If i recall correctly, the benzo was given to me when i started a difficult job just after being prescribed li; and that was because on an interview i said that i was a little nervous and had panic attacks (which are now erratic and less after the thyroxine reduction).
So, maybe i could have done with a lower li dose.
I think that more attention to details is available in the high-tech area, and even marketing of products and tinkering with car engines; i do not mean to show disrespect for the work being done in this area; it is just my impression that tinkering with meds is a very fine and exacting art. I don't think we have the resources for perfection, and those who have been on meds most of their life get to self-monitor details which staff may not. There are worse things than not getting the perfect dose, such as coming into ER with a car head or spine injury.
Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:776541
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070815/msgs/777105.html