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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:44:02
Questions:
Does the possibility of hypothyroidism increase if the dosage of lithium is increased?
Can a does as low as 300mg a day still cause hypothyroidism or goiter?
Does the "metal mouth" side effect go away after a while or it that one of the side effects not likely to diminish?
If hypothyroidism or goiter is detected, does it go away if treatment with lithium is stopped, or is it unfortunately permament regardless of whether the lithium is continued?
Posted by noa on June 23, 2003, at 20:36:00
In reply to Lithium and Hypothyroidism, posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:44:02
I don't know the exact answers to your questions but I can tell you what I learned when my hypothyroidism was worsened by lithium. I decided to discontinue the lithium at the time, having only been on it for 2 months, but my endocrinologist told me that I could have continued it and just adjusted the thyroid medications dosages accordingly.
Someone else here might have more info than I do.
Also, try the about.com site on thyroid. Or www.thyroid-info.com.
Posted by Taylor123 on June 24, 2003, at 9:34:36
In reply to Lithium and Hypothyroidism, posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:44:02
Hey!
Here's my info...
I can tell you that it is highly unlikely that if your thyroid status is normal before you started lithium, 300mg will cause hypothyroidism.
It is more of a long-term side-effect, unless you have a thyroid problem to begin with.
It is easily treated by Thyroxine, and reversed after cessation of lithium.
it is important to have your bloods (TSH, T3 and T4) done regularly, to make sure that your thyroid is functioning normally.
It is dose related, and your li blood level should be kept within the theraputic range (approx0.5-1.2 mmol/L) in order to minimise the risks of hypothyroidism occuring.As far as the metal mouth is concerned, I'm not sure if it will go away. How long have you been on it for? If it is not long, most of the side effects go away after the Li+ has reached a steady level in your blood.
I didn't have the metal mouth S/e, but anything I did have faded after a couple of months.Hope this helps?!
Good luck and keep us posted.
Tay
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