Posted by Jay2112 on May 21, 2022, at 17:50:41
In reply to substitute for lithium?, posted by Roslynn on May 20, 2022, at 14:39:21
> Hi all,
>
> I had to stop lithium due to kidney problems. I was taking it to augment my other depression meds (not for mania).
>
> So far, I haven't been able to find a decent replacement. I'm on Latuda but it doesn't seem to be helping. Lamictal gives me cognitive problems. My mood is sliding down each week.
>
> Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? My other meds are effexor, latuda, seroquel, ativan, and ritalin. Diagnosis is major depression, OCD, and anxiety.
>
> Thank you for any help!
>
> RoslynnHi Roslynn:
I have a few thoughts, having been on all (not at once, though) of the meds you listed.
I'd say one med to look for as a replacement for lithium would be low-dose Depakote. The higher you get, though, the further worry about depression.
I might suggest a small dose of nortriptyline, or even amitriptyline,as these have some of the strongest research to back their use up in depression.
If you are looking for an atypical antipsychotic for irritability/social anxiety, Risperdal is the 'gold standard' for those symptoms.
Check them out in Pubmed. (p.s. Gabapentin and pregabaline are also awesome add-ons.)
Jay
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poster:Jay2112
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