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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SueT on July 20, 2003, at 22:44:04
Hi,
I started taking 300 mg of Lithium about 5weeks ago to agument the SSRi that I take. I also take Topamax for BPII and prior to starting the Lithium I was losing some weight, but it seems to have stalled. My question is: has anyone ever lost weight on low doses of lithium? I know that in higher doses it will cause weight gain, but my dr said maybe that would not happen with a low dose. Thanks.
Posted by linkadge on July 21, 2003, at 6:27:38
In reply to Low Dose Lithium and Weight loss? , posted by SueT on July 20, 2003, at 22:44:04
I was wondering if you have motion and walking problems while on lithium + SSRI.
THe combination makes me have terrible vertigo.
Linkadge
Posted by Janelle on July 21, 2003, at 16:20:39
In reply to Low Dose Lithium and Weight loss? , posted by SueT on July 20, 2003, at 22:44:04
Hello,
I take Lithium 600 mg; recently started dividing it into 300 mg in am and 300 mg in pm and am totally confused about whether it's more effective to do this or just take it all in one shot (at night). I take it for both BPII and to augment my SSRI.
As far as weight is concerned, well the lowest dose of Lithium I have been on is 450 mg a day of Eskalith (time release) and on both that dose and my current 600 mg I have not lost nor have I gained weight. However, I think if I made some changes in my food intake I MIGHT be able to lose some weight! I don't think my inability to lose is due to meds, but who can be sure!
I tend to AGREE with your doctor that a *mere* 300 mg a day of Lithium, you will NOT gain weight.
Posted by linkadge on July 21, 2003, at 16:33:56
In reply to WOOPS, my response didn't post! here it is: » SueT, posted by Janelle on July 21, 2003, at 16:20:39
I am trying to find others that are taking lithium + SSRI combos.
I am having considerable vertigo and dizzyness from the combination of the two - lithium + Celexa. ARe you having any problems like this ??
Thanks
Linkadge
Posted by Jack Smith on July 21, 2003, at 17:11:44
In reply to Low Dose Lithium and Weight loss? , posted by SueT on July 20, 2003, at 22:44:04
> I started taking 300 mg of Lithium about 5weeks ago to agument the SSRi that I take.
I have some questions unrelated to yours--hope you don't mind. What SSRI do you take, dose and why did you decide to augment (e.g not a full response or poopout or mixed states, whatever)? And how is it working? How long did it take to feel an effect?
Posted by Janelle on July 21, 2003, at 17:15:28
In reply to question for Janelle, posted by linkadge on July 21, 2003, at 16:33:56
Wow - you are taking the SAME 2 - Lithium and Celexa that I am.
I do NOT (knock on wood) have any vertigo and dizzyness from the combination of lithium + Celexa.
However, let's compare dosages and times we each take them: I take 30 mg/day of Celexa in the am and 600 mg of Lithium, currently split 300 mg in am and 300 mg in pm.
What are your doses of each of these and when do you take them? Perhaps this might shed some light on the matter????
Posted by linkadge on July 21, 2003, at 18:21:49
In reply to Lithium Augementation Q's » SueT, posted by Jack Smith on July 21, 2003, at 17:11:44
THe lithium augmentation was to Celexa.
I get the best responce from about 600 mg of lithium and 10 mg of Celexa.
The combination is very robust. THe lithium can take the edge off of Celexa that sometimes happens (ie jitteryness) It can also make you more *real* sincere etc. Ie I cried when I watched something on Montell Williams. Not sad cry, the beautiful cry like when somebody is getting married etc.
Unfortunately I am having *Terribe* dizzyness on the combo. The celexa makes me feel light and the lithium heavier. Throughought the whole day I feel like strong magnets are pulling me left and right - up and down. It is unbearable.
I just want to know if anyone else has had these effects.
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on July 21, 2003, at 18:24:41
In reply to LINK: answers and more ! » linkadge, posted by Janelle on July 21, 2003, at 17:15:28
I take 10 mg of Celexa in the morning and
the 600mg of Lithium at night.I think the problem is that I am trying to tame a high with the lithium. (its not really augmentation) I really should probably be on lithium alone, but thats very difficult.
Linkadge
Posted by sarita0001 on July 22, 2003, at 10:50:13
In reply to Low Dose Lithium and Weight loss? , posted by SueT on July 20, 2003, at 22:44:04
HI,
I used to take 900mg lithium for several years and then recently went down to 675mg. I am definitely less bloated and have less stomach problems. The lower dosage has kept the weight off since I've been exercising(unlike when I was on 900 I would gain it back faster). I noticed other changes too- I'm not as sleepy, I have more energy, don't pee as often, it just makes be feel better overall. So the answer I believe is yes.
S
Posted by SueT on July 25, 2003, at 9:58:09
In reply to Lithium Augementation Q's » SueT, posted by Jack Smith on July 21, 2003, at 17:11:44
> > I started taking 300 mg of Lithium about 5weeks ago to agument the SSRi that I take.
>
> I have some questions unrelated to yours--hope you don't mind. What SSRI do you take, dose and why did you decide to augment (e.g not a full response or poopout or mixed states, whatever)? And how is it working? How long did it take to feel an effect?
>
> Jack,
I also take Paxil CR 37.5, along with 300 mg of Topamax and 50 mg of Seroquel. I basically
decided to try the Lithium because I felt that every SSRI I have been on has either just been only adequete in addressing my depression, or "poops out" after a period of months if it did not make me hypo manic (pre- Mood stabilizer). My Dr. had experienced clinicallt that people with BPII often repond quite well to Lithium. I noticed a HUGE change in my mood amount five weeks after I had started taking it, but I should caution that I would be difficult to say if just one med is the origin of this change.
Sorry it took me so long to respond. Hope this is helpful to you.
This is the end of the thread.
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