![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 19 to 43 of 71. Go back in thread:
Posted by Ron Hill on June 1, 2003, at 17:20:46
In reply to Ron, Re: Janelle's Medication, posted by McPac on June 1, 2003, at 12:13:33
Hi McPac,
> Just wondering, how do you think you would be IF you discontinued your lithium? Thanks
I'd become slightly or moderately hypomanic within the first couple of days. For example, my thoughts would go in several directions in a rapid fire fashion (like quickly changing channels on the TV) and, as a result, I'd finish little or nothing. Or, alternatively, I might hyper-focus on a low priority task while ignoring the urgent ones. Further, I act kind of childish and giddy when I'm hypomanic and I tend to be impulsive and socially inappropriate.
Each morning when I wake up I am ever so slightly hypomanic until I take my morning dose of Lithobid. I love the creative ideas I get when I'm hypomanic, but my productivity is low.
If I continued to go for a long period of time without a moodstabilizer (i.e.; lithium), I suspect I would begin to cycle between hypomanic, normal, and depressed mood states.
-- Ron
Posted by Janelle on June 1, 2003, at 18:51:08
In reply to Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression ???, posted by Paulie on May 30, 2003, at 21:20:18
Paulie, I can't begin to thank you for the SIMPLE, PLAIN ENGLISH info and links you have given me about Lithium OROTATE. I have printed out and then made copies for my pdoc of a few of your posts about it and am hoping he will switch me over to it and understand the dosing correspondence.
If he does this, I also hope that he will increase my Depakote. Somewhere in this long thread someone (you?) said that if I switch to Lithium Orotate, I may no longer have problems with a higher dose of Depakote (which is what I think I need!)
Thanks again, Paulie.
Posted by Janelle on June 1, 2003, at 18:57:52
In reply to Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression ??? » Janelle, posted by Simcha on June 1, 2003, at 2:58:11
I can assure you with like 100% confidence level that any depressive episodes I go through have NOT kicked in as a result of withdrawal from Klonopin as I have NOT YET started tapering off it!!
Also, Klonopin is anti-anxiety med, not an antidepressant and does NOTHING for depresion. Also, it does NOTHING for me with my anxiety, it's like a placebo because I've taken it for so long. It's a benzo and your body becomes sed to it and it poops out unless you increase the dose, which I have NO intention of doing. I want OFF the stuff simply because it is NOT helping me; Buspar is. I had tried Neurontin and all it did was make me drowsy all day.
How much Neurontin are you on and how is it working? Also, I am guessing you are OFF the Klonopin - how much had you been on and how long did it take you to get off it? Thanks.
Posted by Simcha on June 1, 2003, at 21:46:59
In reply to SIMCHA: re KLONOPIN and NEURONTIN: » Simcha, posted by Janelle on June 1, 2003, at 18:57:52
Janelle,
My current pdoc told me that Klonopin could have the side effect of depression. It's interesting that you are experiencing depression while on Klonopin. I'm not sure why you think that Klonopin is a placebo.
For me it stopped me from grinding my teeth at night. It also worked with my restless legs. I noticed that it made me feel good while I was being treated with Celexa and Wellbutrin. For me it was a mood lifter.
My pdoc also told me that Klonopin can interrupt sleep patterns. That is, you may not get the right kinds of sleep in one night.
I hope I have not offended you. As I said, I'm not an expert and I'm no pdoc. I'm just a person who has been treated for Major Depressive Disorder and for some time Klonopin provided some relief from bruxism and RLS.
I was only on 1mg of Klonopin per night. That was for over a year.
My current pdoc suggested that I switch the Klonopin for Neurontin since Neurontin could help me by keeping the bruxism and RLS under control without the interruption of the sleep cycle.
Eventually I titrated up to 600mg of Neurontin per night. So here is my combo:
AM Doses:
40mg Celexa
200mg WellbutrinSR
Before Bed:Neurontin 600mg
During the entire year I was on Klonopin, 1mg per night did the trick. I did not need to increase dosage for effectiveness. Many people on the board have been at the same level of Klonopin for years and have had no problems.I was wondering if the depression was partially due to withdrawal from Klonopin because I've read that withdrawal can include depressive symptoms.
I hope I have not confused you or led you to believe that I have more answers than my experience with Klonopin. Please remember that I'm not a doctor or an expert.
Blessings,
Simcha
> I can assure you with like 100% confidence level that any depressive episodes I go through have NOT kicked in as a result of withdrawal from Klonopin as I have NOT YET started tapering off it!!
>
> Also, Klonopin is anti-anxiety med, not an antidepressant and does NOTHING for depresion. Also, it does NOTHING for me with my anxiety, it's like a placebo because I've taken it for so long. It's a benzo and your body becomes sed to it and it poops out unless you increase the dose, which I have NO intention of doing. I want OFF the stuff simply because it is NOT helping me; Buspar is. I had tried Neurontin and all it did was make me drowsy all day.
>
> How much Neurontin are you on and how is it working? Also, I am guessing you are OFF the Klonopin - how much had you been on and how long did it take you to get off it? Thanks.
Posted by Ron Hill on June 1, 2003, at 23:37:58
In reply to , Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » McPac, posted by Paulie on June 1, 2003, at 16:22:49
Larry,
I'd heard about lithium orotate before but I had always dismissed it out-of-hand by saying to myself "a Li ion, is a Li ion, is a Li ion." However, when the topic came up on the board this time around, I looked into it and I'm starting to think that there may be something to this lithium orotate thing after all.
If the sales pitch is true and the lithium orotate does indeed cross the cell membrane more readily than the inorganic Li ion, then an equivalent pharmacological effect might be accomplished with reduced Li blood levels. This in turn would reduce the side effects including possible thyroid damage from long-term use of lithium.
As you know, I take a low dosage (600 mg/day) of Lithobid. I am convinced that lithium provides neuroprotective effects in the brain. However, even at my relatively low Li blood level (0.4 mEq/l) the lithium causes some amount of rash. The bigger issue, however, is the possibility of thyroid damage with long-term lithium use at these blood levels.
Since I am self-insured, the cost of prescription lithium carbonate is comparable to the cost of the lithium orotate supplement product.
Larry, I highly value your opinion and I have learned much from your writings (we are fortunate to have you here). If you have time, could you please read this link and give me your opinion?
Specifically, does Li orotate enter the cells more efficiently than inorganic Li, thereby, facilitating a marked reduction in the dosage required when using the Li orotate product?
Also, although the web page does not specifically say this, I get the impression that the lithium orotate crosses the cell membrane prior to dissociation (i.e.; the Li ion is still bound to the transporter molecule). If this is true, when and where does the Li ion break free from the transporter molecule so that the Li ion can start doing whatever it does as a moodstabilizer?
And finally, Lithobid is a slow-release product. I doubt that the lithium orotate product has a slow-release feature.
Here's the link.
http://www.findserenitynow.com/product_info_4.html
Thank you sooooooooo much.
-- Ron
Posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 8:51:48
In reply to Re: Larry what do you think about lithium orotate?, posted by Ron Hill on June 1, 2003, at 23:37:58
> Larry,
> If the sales pitch is true and the lithium orotate does indeed cross the cell membrane more readily than the inorganic Li ion, then an equivalent pharmacological effect might be accomplished with reduced Li blood levels. This in turn would reduce the side effects including possible thyroid damage from long-term use of lithium.I think that claims such as that require some evidence. I can't find any.
The best theory I've yet seen is that lithium ions interfere with calcium-dependent gene regulation within the cell, effectively down-regulating a number of processes. Yes, that happens inside the cell, but there is so much ion movement in and out of the cell, lithium doesn't just stay there.
> Since I am self-insured, the cost of prescription lithium carbonate is comparable to the cost of the lithium orotate supplement product.
If you want to give it a try, I'd consider it to be an experimental treatment. Lithium orotate was considered for use about 25 years ago, and it was dropped from consideration, for whatever reason.
> Larry, I highly value your opinion and I have learned much from your writings (we are fortunate to have you here). If you have time, could you please read this link and give me your opinion?Thanks, Ron. My pleasure.
> Specifically, does Li orotate enter the cells more efficiently than inorganic Li, thereby, facilitating a marked reduction in the dosage required when using the Li orotate product?Not that I can find evidence for.
> Also, although the web page does not specifically say this, I get the impression that the lithium orotate crosses the cell membrane prior to dissociation (i.e.; the Li ion is still bound to the transporter molecule).That's what they want you to believe.
>If this is true, when and where does the Li ion break free from the transporter molecule so that the Li ion can start doing whatever it does as a moodstabilizer?
Good question. Does the molecule magically know when it has arrived at its destination? I don't know. There are orotic acid transporters, as orotic acid is a precursor to RNA, but why that would be better than the pre-existing Na+/Li+ transporter is beyond me.
> And finally, Lithobid is a slow-release product. I doubt that the lithium orotate product has a slow-release feature.They're suggesting it's inherent, I think.
> Here's the link.
>
> http://www.findserenitynow.com/product_info_4.html
>
> Thank you sooooooooo much.
>
> -- Ron
>Like I said, my pleasure. I like questions, and ones like this one, even more than many others.
I looked at the web-link before I went to Pubmed, etc., and my gut-reaction was a bullshit-detector activation. Here are my thoughts, relevant to quotes from the site.
"Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are both inorganic salts."
Pardon me? Organic means carbon-based. We have carbonate (CO3--), and citrate (C6H5O7---). Nothing inorganic about those ions.
"Lithium carbonate usually comes in 300mg and 450mg capsules. A common amount that might be prescribed would be 600-1200mg per day. Once ingested; the digestive system will break off the mineral lithium from the lithium compound, allowing the free mineral ion to enter the blood stream."
It doesn't break the lithium off, it dissolves it. Why the semantic twisting? Moreover, we know that lithium readily enters the blood from the gut, so what's the issue?
"In order to have a physiological effect, the lithium mineral ion will have to pass from the blood stream through cell membranes in order to enter the necessary cells."
No shit! They use the Na+/Li+ transporter.
"Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate do not have mineral transport capability..."
At this point, the lithium salts have ceased to exist, so this is a distraction or deception.
"Inorganic lithium compounds are used to insure that the lithium levels in the blood stream are high enough so that enough lithium enters the brain cells to be effective. Unfortunately, lithium in high doses is relatively toxic and blood lithium monitoring is necessary when these inorganic lithium salts are used."
Lithium flux goes both ways. Even if the lithium orotate efficiently transports lithium into neurons, and dissociates in a timely manner, the lithium will then both leak out, and be pumped out. The "high blood concentrations" mentioned are a necessary component of ionic equilibrium. Uptake has to equal release (from a whole cell vs. blood concentration perspective, across the cell membrane) at some point in time, and if there's none in the blood, there will soon be none in the neuron.
"Dr. Nieper developed the organic lithium salt in Serenity."
Ohh? And Dole invented the Internet.
"Serenity has mineral transport capability. Dr. Nieper developed the organic lithium salt in Serenity - which is a lithium mineral transporter. This means that the organic lithium salt in Serenity remains intact through the digestive system so that the entire compound enters the blood stream with most of the lithium still bound to the transporter molecule. Since the mineral transporter in Serenity enables the entire compound to enter the blood stream - the amount of Lithium used can be drastically reduced."
So, how does the orotic acid preferentially target brain neurons? Little maps? Kidney and liver have very high affinities (uptake capacity) for orotic acid. Moreover, calling orotic acid a lithium mineral transporter is deceptive. If it is a mineral transporter, it's not specific to lithium.
"In fact: the organic lithium in Serenity contains about 5 times less elemental lithium per 100mg than lithium carbonate. The amount of lithium that enters the blood stream is significantly lower when lithium mineral transporters are used."
...because you take less in.
"In addition our human cells rapidly absorb the lithium transporters in Serenity, so that the amount that stays in the blood stream is relatively low."
As I said, but most are not in the brain.
"In fact: because of these factors: It is difficult to obtain measurable lithium levels in the blood with the lithium mineral transporter in Serenity."
Equilibrium lies to which side? Brain loses this one.
"It is important to recognize that high doses of any lithium compound will be toxic -- so the lithium mineral transporter in Serenity provides a safety from this toxicity as only low doses of lithium are used."
Proof of efficacy?
"Lithium carbonate contains 18.8mg of elemental lithium per 100mg. With the mineral transporter, it is only necessary for Serenity to contain 3.83mg of elemental lithium per 100mg."
What a distorted way to present the mass ratios of the two salts.
"The effective dose of lithium carbonate usually ranges from 600mg (113mg elemental lithium) to 1200mg (226mg elemental lithium). Dr. Nieper reports: an effective dose of Serenity is between 2-6 120 mg tablets per day. One 120mg tablet of Serenity contains 4.6mg of elemental lithium.
2 tablets of Serenity contains 9.2 mg of elemental lithium.
6 tablets contain 27.6 mg."Nothing in the literature to suggest those are effective doses for lithium orotate.
"Interactions of the inorganic lithium compounds, lithium carbonate & citrate, may occur with: antithyroid pills, diuretics. medications for asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, or sinusitis. Serenity helps to avoid these interactions by keeping the lithium levels in the body very low."
Proof it doesn't work?
"No lithium compounds are habit-forming, however, long-term use of inorganic lithium carbonate and lithium citrate may cause thyroid and kidney problems. Again -- Serenity strongly helps to avoid these problems by keeping the lithium levels low."
Maybe rats aren't representative mammals, but maybe they are.
J Pharm Pharmacol 1979 Mar;31(3):161-3
Kidney function and lithium concentrations of rats given an injection of lithium orotate or lithium carbonate.
Smith DF, Schou M.
A recent study by Kling et al (1978) noted the finding of higher lithium concentrations in serum and brain of rats after an intraperitoneal injection (2 mmol lithium kg-1) of lithium orotate as a slurry than of lithium carbonate in solution. The authors suggested that lithium orotate might offer advantages in the treatment of patients. We repeated the experiments of Kling et al but in addition examined the kidney function of the rats. Glomerular filtration rate and urine flow were markedly lower in rats given lithium orotate than in rats given lithium carbonate, sodium chloride or a sham injection. The renal lithium clearance was significantly lower, the kidney weight and the lithium concentrations in serum, kidney and heart significantly higher after injection of lithium orotate than after injection of lithium carbonate. The higher lithium concentrations could be accounted for by the lower kidney function. It seems inadvisable to use lithium orotate for the treatment of patients.
"It is important not to take any type of lithium (organic or inorganic) during pregnancy as lithium can be counterproductive during these 9 months."
Evidence? Huh?
Ron, I'm biased. Read between my words. I don't like my gut reaction. Are my arguments rational?
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 8:57:47
In reply to Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » Janelle, posted by Paulie on May 31, 2003, at 10:01:49
> You may be below the therapeutic window on both lithium and depakote. If you cannot tolerate higher doses of lithium due to side effects I would suggest replacing it with lithium orotate. It is a form of lithium that requires no blood tests and side effects are pretty much non-existent. It's non-prescription and is 20 times more bio-active than other forms of lithium so lower doses are just as effective as much higher doses of the prescription forms of lithium. This is the reason for low (or no) side effect profile. Switching over to this may allow to tolerate a higher dose of depakote since you won't be getting the possible side effects from the lithium you're presently on. Standard dose is 2-6 caps per day. Standard lithium level ranges do not apply to lithium orotate so a lithium level test is meaningless. Here's some info about it:
>
> Lithium, like sodium, occurs naturally in a number of different salts. (snip)Hey, Paul. Where'd you get the quote? My opinion is that you should include a link with a quote like that, so people can check the references (numbered in the quote, but not included with it).
thanks,
Lar
Posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 11:55:42
In reply to Paulie, Re: LITHIUM OROTATE, posted by McPac on June 1, 2003, at 11:59:28
Hey folks, be real real careful with Lithium Orotate 'replacing' lithium carbonate. The hype that it is a more bioavailable form IS NOT TRUE. At least, not in the amounts given through primarily anecdotal suggestions. Paulie, please take care in recommending someone replace their lithium med with Li orotate. I wonder if Paulie has personal experience in taking it? I have, and started with great hope and a relatively clean slate, having run out of lithium a week prior. I took the conversion doses for two weeks and began feeling good old hypomania surfacing. Increased the dose for another week and had a full blown mixed states depression. Decided lithium orotate is a clever marking ploy for a few internet based companies and not much else. It clearly was ineffective for me. Went back to my lithium carbonate and blessed relief within 3 days. I'm finally a believer. Lithium carbonate is my good friend and nothing else takes it's place.
If you want to experiment with Li orotate, go for it, but don't take as gospel the conversion amounts stated. It may work for you, although from my research, few have found it to be effective on it's own. Don't mess with your current lithium if you need it and definitely don't throw it out the window if you give li orotate a try. I can guess you'll be wanting your old lithium back. With that said, I am taking 1 Li orotate pill mid day as a possible boost, but mainly to use up the 150 pills I still have left. - BarbaraCat
Posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 12:18:12
In reply to Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » Paulie, posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 8:57:47
> >> >
> > Lithium, like sodium, occurs naturally in a number of different salts. (snip)
>
> Hey, Paul. Where'd you get the quote? My opinion is that you should include a link with a quote like that, so people can check the references (numbered in the quote, but not included with it).
>
> thanks,
> LarMy oversight, should have included it with post.
http://vrp.com/art/718.asp?c=1054391658919&g=lithium&k=/srch/lithium.asp&m=/vstyle.css
Paul
Posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 12:19:02
In reply to Re: Larry what do you think about lithium orotate? » Ron Hill, posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 8:51:48
Larry and Ron,
Serenity is the brand I took. Interesting fact is that Serenity costs $39 as opposed to around $10 for the same amount from other sources. Serenity's product of course is 'superior' because it is enterically coated to bypass the deleterious effects of stomach acid. More likely it bypasses the entire digestive system and ends up in the toilet. Or at least, that's what my subjective experience suggests.If anyone is thinking about taking this med, search for another brand. You shouldn't have to pay more than $10 for 1 month's supply (3 per day). Bullshit meter, indeed, Larry. Mine was twanging but I was hoping for a lithium that didn't harm my thyroid more than it already is.
In it's defence, however, I do think the idea of orotates and aspartates as transport mediums offers some interesting theories to consider - IF they actually work in the body as stated. One thing I have learned the hard way is that the benefits of various products, nutrients, etc., are probably true. The problem is that the particular product touting the benefits does not deliver the stated amount, is not bioavailable, does not survive the first liver pass, or whatever. If orotates indeed work the way they're claiming, then how exciting. More likely, the science just isn't there yet to make it work in the body.
Posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 13:22:49
In reply to Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » Larry Hoover, posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 12:18:12
>
> My oversight, should have included it with post.
>
> http://vrp.com/art/718.asp?c=1054391658919&g=lithium&k=/srch/lithium.asp&m=/vstyle.css
>
> PaulThanks. Now, finding the full-text to reference 24, I see claims about lithium action that are unsubstantiated, and promotional arguments by a guy who sells the stuff. Hmmm....
Note the similarity in hyperlink structure.....Hmmm.....same company.....
http://www.vrp.com/art/269.asp?c=1054576876708&g=Ward%20Dean&k=/srch/warddean.asp&m=/vstyle.css
My BS meter is in the red zone.
Lar
Posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 13:28:26
In reply to WHOA on the lithium orotate - be careful!!, posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 11:55:42
What I told Janelle was that if she is unable to increase her dose of lithium because of side effects lithium orotate might be worth a try. She is still cycling between hypomania and depression. I would never suggest to anyone who is stable on any med to discontinue that med. Janelle is bringing the info I have about lithium orotate to her pdoc who will make the decision.
If he decides to not to go with it,to add it to the lithium she's on, or to replace it-that will be his decision.Paul
Posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 14:29:10
In reply to Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » Paulie, posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 13:22:49
>
> >
>>
> Thanks. Now, finding the full-text to reference 24, I see claims about lithium action that are unsubstantiated, and promotional arguments by a guy who sells the stuff. Hmmm....
>
> Note the similarity in hyperlink structure.....Hmmm.....same company.....
>
> http://www.vrp.com/art/269.asp?c=1054576876708&g=Ward%20Dean&k=/srch/warddean.asp&m=/vstyle.css
>
> My BS meter is in the red zone.
>
> LarYes, Dr.Ward Dean is director of research for Vitamin Research Products. Assuming his claims are false on the bio-availibity issue there is a reference to the "Clinical Application of Lithium Orotate" published in 1973 by Dr. HA Nieper.
Superiority of Lithium Orotate
The lithium salt of orotic acid (lithium orotate) improves the specific effects of lithium many-fold by increasing lithium bio-utilization. The orotates transport the lithium to the membranes of mitochondria, lysosomes and the glia cells. Lithium orotate stabilizes the lysosomal membranes and prevents the enzyme reactions that are responsible for the sodium depletion and dehydration effects of other lithium salts. Because of the superior bioavailability of lithium orotate, the therapeutic dosage is much less than prescription forms of lithium. For example, in cases of severe depression, the therapeutic dosage of lithium orotate is 150 mg/day. This is compared to 900-1800 mg of the prescription forms. In this dosage range of lithium orotate, there are no adverse lithium side reactions and no need for monitoring blood serum measurements.17
http://www.vrp.com/art/269.asp?c=1054576876708&g=Ward%20Dean&k=/srch/warddean.asp&m=/vstyle.css
Paul
Posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 14:52:34
In reply to Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » Larry Hoover, posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 14:29:10
> Yes, Dr.Ward Dean is director of research for Vitamin Research Products. Assuming his claims are false on the bio-availibity issue there is a reference to the "Clinical Application of Lithium Orotate" published in 1973 by Dr. HA Nieper.I can't access that paper, so I can't assess it.
I spent years of my life, under contract, looking at other peoples' published work, assessing their methodology, the evidence gathered, the statistical methods employed, the conclusions arising from the data, the relationship of the work in question with the body of evidence already in existence. A single contract might have me analyzing stacks of papers over a meter in height. My reports were 100's of pages long, and the reference lists were often longer than the report itself. I have some experience in this realm.
Just so we're clear, I am looking for independent corroborative evidence.
Without it, referring to papers written by other members of the same private enterprise as supportive evidence is questionable, at best.
If there are only a handful of papers in existence on a subject, and those are 20 or 25 years old, I'm quite skeptical of somebody making current claims about that information. Moreover, in a subject realm as well-studied as lithium prophylaxis of bipolar disorder, the dearth of evidence for the efficacy of lithium orotate is itself damning.
Feel free to form your own conclusions. You have my opinion.
Lar
Posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 15:20:42
In reply to Re: WHOA on the lithium orotate - be careful!! » Barbara Cat, posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 13:28:29
Paul,
Have you personally experienced benefit from lithium orotate? If so, could you give us your subjective experience on how it fares with other lithiums? If you haven't had personal experience, do you know of anyone else who has tried it? Is it perhaps the web material only that you're citing? The research papers sound intriguing, and that's how I was temporarily convinced (snookered is more like it) but I have to agree with Larry's biochemical reasoning and with my own experience. It would be helpful to get some first-hand experience besides my own trial which bordered on dangerous.I think that titrating up on Li Orotate while titrating down on Li carbonate is much safer trial than how I did it. Lithium orotate even at double the dose couldn't prevent or pull me out of a manic depressive state. It really was quite ineffective and the fact that the Serenity folks are making these claims bothers me alot. - BarbaraCat
Posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 19:16:49
In reply to Re: LITHIUM OROTATE » Larry Hoover, posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 14:29:10
Posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 19:52:49
In reply to Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression ???, posted by Janelle on May 30, 2003, at 19:58:35
Hi Janelle, it's your buddy BarbaraCat. Some questions based on my experience of this kind of depression.
Are you able to sleep OK when you have this kind of depression?
When you're laid out, what's going on in your mind? Do you blame yourself for being lazy, for instance?
Are there any body pains, like muscle or joint pains or stomach pain?
Do you feel sick all over?
How is your elimination?
Is your tongue coated during these times? If so, how would you describe it? (very important question, BTW)
If you force yourself to get up does your energy eventually get better, or are you still pooped out?
If you do force yourself to get up, what are the compelling reasons to do so?
What time of day is best/worst?
Is there anything that relieves it even a little?I've had this kind of depression and it's different from my other kind of depressions which are agitated and anxious. I recall your posting about these kind of symptoms a year ago. I'm wondering if there isn't a physical problem going on in conjunction with your depression. That's my situation, and I recognize some of your symptoms and frustrations. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here, but if you have something biophysical going on it's going to ambush your attempts at relieving your depression. My thoughts are with you, girlfriend. - BarbaraCat
> Where you LITERALLY stay in bed all day, day after day only getting up to go to the bathroom and maybe eat or probably more likely drink something?
>
> I feel so ALONE in this; but depression manifests itself this way with me - I stay in my bed on and on and on.
Posted by McPac on June 2, 2003, at 20:42:50
In reply to Re: Life without a moodstabilizer? » McPac, posted by Ron Hill on June 1, 2003, at 17:20:46
Thanks Ron!
I was wondering---would you get VERY irritable with anger outbursts without the lithium? Thanks!
I'd become slightly or moderately hypomanic within the first couple of days. For example, my thoughts would go in several directions in a rapid fire fashion (like quickly changing channels on the TV) and, as a result, I'd finish little or nothing. Or, alternatively, I might hyper-focus on a low priority task while ignoring the urgent ones. Further, I act kind of childish and giddy when I'm hypomanic and I tend to be impulsive and socially inappropriate.Each morning when I wake up I am ever so slightly hypomanic until I take my morning dose of Lithobid. I love the creative ideas I get when I'm hypomanic, but my productivity is low.
If I continued to go for a long period of time without a moodstabilizer (i.e.; lithium), I suspect I would begin to cycle between hypomanic, normal, and depressed mood states.
-- Ron
Posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 21:02:52
In reply to Re: Sorry about the indignation (nm) » Paulie, posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 19:16:49
Larry,
I guess lithium orotate won't work after all unless the intake of lithium is what it would be on lithium carbonate. I am usually very skeptical about new products but after reading some info on it, it looked like there may be something to it. Unfortunetly, you have to high blood concentrations, like you said, or it ain't gonna work. Geez, looks like I was wrong. My mistake. Thanks for your input.Paul
Posted by McPac on June 2, 2003, at 21:14:18
In reply to Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression ??? » Janelle, posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 19:52:49
Does lithium keep "Anger/Terrible temper" problems at bay for you? IF you were to go off of it, would terrible anger/temper/irritability come back big-time? Thanks!
Posted by McPac on June 2, 2003, at 21:17:45
In reply to Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression ??? » Janelle, posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 19:52:49
I went through the exact type of depressed state that you described only a few months ago......the thing that worked for me was that I increased my lithium......for others, perhaps an anti-dep. would work best...but for me, at least this past time anyway, lithium worked very well...fwiw...take care!
Posted by McPac on June 2, 2003, at 21:19:40
In reply to Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression ??? » Janelle, posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 19:52:49
"Is your tongue coated during these times? If so, how would you describe it? (very important question, BTW)"
>>>>>>>Are you thinking about the possibility of Candida Albicans Barb?
Posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 22:29:35
In reply to Barb, Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of depression, posted by McPac on June 2, 2003, at 21:14:18
Oh yes. When I get sloppy and forget to take it regularly I become a harpy. Ultra critical, sensitive, and feel very taken advantage of (this is a major issue I'm working on in this lifetime, BTW). You should talk to my husband, poor guy. Then when I get back to my regular dosing things become nice and mellow again. I do not have the flattening of effect like others describe. I guess I'm so volatile naturally that lithium puts me in the normal range. I find also that 2 tablespoons of fish oil is a big factor in the brew. It seems to keep the cell membranes pliable and helps the other meds work more efficiently.
> Does lithium keep "Anger/Terrible temper" problems at bay for you? IF you were to go off of it, would terrible anger/temper/irritability come back big-time? Thanks!
Posted by Barbara Cat on June 2, 2003, at 22:34:09
In reply to BarbCat, Re: Anyone else have THIS KIND of , posted by McPac on June 2, 2003, at 21:19:40
That is one possibility. I've got some background in Chinese medicine and there are many illnesses that are diagnosed by the condition of the tongue - coating, shape, size, etc. What I'm looking for is overall toxicity symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis which can be just another symptom of imbalance.
> "Is your tongue coated during these times? If so, how would you describe it? (very important question, BTW)"
>
> >>>>>>>Are you thinking about the possibility of Candida Albicans Barb?
>
Posted by Paulie on June 2, 2003, at 23:44:53
In reply to Re: Sorry about the indignation (nm) » Paulie, posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 19:16:49
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