Posted by SLS on August 16, 2009, at 19:39:22
In reply to Scott-quick question on lithium, posted by floatingbridge on August 16, 2009, at 17:17:11
> Hi!
>
> Can lithium be used in smaller dosages w/ any effectiveness? I've been diagnosed most recently as BP III nos. I don't do well on AP's and I'd like to avoid depakote as a woman due to side effects--though I have tolerated it well. I know there is lamictal. I read in some of your posts that lithium had neuroprotective properties. I see my doctor tomorrow. Would it be a good option to bring up?
At low dosages (300-600mg), lithium can exert antidepressant activity when it is combined with a standard antidepressant in the role of augmenter when treating unipolar depression and, perhaps, bipolar depression. However, such low dosages do not treat bipolar mania acutely nor act as a prophylactic.Regarding the use of lithium as a promotor of neuroprotection and neurogenesis, I know of no study that indicates that these properties can transform a non-responder into a responder with continued use over the course of months or years. Perhaps Linkadge could shed some light on this.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:912458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090810/msgs/912476.html