Posted by jms600 on November 5, 2008, at 17:32:11
In reply to Lithium - How long to kick in?, posted by amdew717 on November 4, 2008, at 15:16:35
I've just started lithium for severe anxiety and anxiety related depression. I'm also on 150mg amitriptyline and 40mg buspirone.
My psychiatrist told me that it can take around two weeks before you start to feel any benefit - and that those beneficial effects slowly and gradually increase further over the following next few months.
I'm surprised your doctor hasn't put you on an antidepressant to take along with the lithium..? I thought that was the general approach to treating depression only (no mania) with Lithium.
Taking of amitriptyline, have you tried any of the tricyclics? Drugs such as amitriptyline and imipramine are considered by many to be the gold standard. The side effects can be a little more troublesome though.
Stick with the lithium - 600mgs per day is relatively low. I've read that lithium can be taken in doses over 1.5g (make sure you are monitored properly though)!!
My psychiatrist says it's a very good drug - it's worth giving it a go!!
Good luck!
poster:jms600
thread:860794
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081027/msgs/860990.html