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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Wraith on August 12, 2004, at 14:17:33
I have been on Lithium since March and have noticed in the past few weeks I have on two occassions developed severe body twitching. Once the evening before a lithium blood test which revealed I was on the lower end of the therapeutic scale. Today after exercise I noticed that if I held my arms in particular postions my arms and shoulders would begin to shudder uncontrollably.
Has anyone had experience of this? And do you know what causes it. I would have thought toxicity if it wasn't for my normal reading. I am a little reluctant to go to my Psych with this as he may take me off/reduce the lithium, I would rather learn to live with or manage this anomaly.
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Many thanks
Wraith
Posted by linkadge on August 12, 2004, at 15:24:34
In reply to Lithium Advice Needed, posted by Wraith on August 12, 2004, at 14:17:33
Lithium is slightly proconvulsant. Many drugs that help depression are slightly proconvulsant. In your case I don't know what it means, but I do know that the drug is working.
I know an antidepressant is working when it causes some body twiching. I read an article that suggested this too.
Linkadge
Posted by HappyGirl on August 12, 2004, at 17:09:32
In reply to Lithium Advice Needed, posted by Wraith on August 12, 2004, at 14:17:33
Hi:
On Lithium therapy, a very first thing you need to do is to drink 'a lot, ... a lot of liquid, preferably, 'just plain water' coming from a kitchen faucet. At the beginning, I used to carry a 'big' jug to quench and replenish my thirst everywhere I went, in and outside the building. Because, Lithium has otherwise 'toxicity' that is related to mostly 'tremor.' I got severe to mild tremors on my limbs for the first year. It's an old med., but one of *best* mood-stabilizers in the world for Bper's, whether Bp I or II.However, from the reading other takers' experience, there are even 'dizziness,' 'nausea,' and other annoying problems from taking it.
I just wonder what dosage you're taking currently? If more than 900 mg. that is normal dosage in the beginning of Lithium therapy, you may get MORE rampant problems. I took once awhile, between 2-3 years' period, even 1200 mg-1500 mg. in hopes that 'massive' dosage offered me 'anti-depressant' effect. I got some, ... but not enough. Afterwards, my pdoc. rxed 'formal' anti-depressant in conjuction with Lithium and other psycho. med.
It sounds to me like your case,... *severe* body twitching should NOT be ignored, because there could be due to 'toxicity' developed in your system.
In my suggestion, ... at least 'call' to a psycho. nurse' or someone familiar with psycho. med. for 'good' advice on this, if you do NOT want to contact your pdoc.
H.G.
Posted by Squiggles on August 13, 2004, at 9:52:43
In reply to Re: Lithium Advice Needed, posted by HappyGirl on August 12, 2004, at 17:09:32
By coincidence, this subject was just
being discussed in the past day or two
at lithium@yahoogroups.com;In my experience, and also by an ER
dr's advice, and the person i am conversing
with there, it is not enough to just
drink lot and lots and lots of water.It is essential to keep a balance between
the water and sodium. Also, it is important
not to lose potassium, magnesium, and other
electrolyte-important nutrients in sweating,
heat or dehydration.Squiggles
Posted by HappyGirl on August 13, 2004, at 14:53:10
In reply to Re: Is this drug combo SAFE?, posted by Squiggles on August 13, 2004, at 9:52:43
Hi:
I remember when I was in Anatomy class, there was a topic regarding 'electrolyte.' However, this happened a long, ... long time ago before my Bp came to my 'young' life.Then, my question is;
Have you been on some sort of 'Vitamin' to accomodate those 'electrolyte?' Normally, I never take any of those 'substitute' ingredients, because there seems to NOT help in my Bp condition. Furthermore, the current med. combo. just makes me overwhelming. Since 1998, I've been on several different meds. to battle against my Bp illness.If there is any good information, please let me know. As said the above, I don't feel I need any of those at this moment, ... but who knows? I may need those ones in future.
H.G.
Posted by Squiggles on August 13, 2004, at 15:22:48
In reply to Re: Is this drug combo SAFE?//electrote question, posted by HappyGirl on August 13, 2004, at 14:53:10
> Hi:
> I remember when I was in Anatomy class, there was a topic regarding 'electrolyte.' However, this happened a long, ... long time ago before my Bp came to my 'young' life.
>
> Then, my question is;
> Have you been on some sort of 'Vitamin' to accomodate those 'electrolyte?' Normally, I never take any of those 'substitute' ingredients, because there seems to NOT help in my Bp condition. Furthermore, the current med. combo. just makes me overwhelming. Since 1998, I've been on several different meds. to battle against my Bp illness.
>
> If there is any good information, please let me know. As said the above, I don't feel I need any of those at this moment, ... but who knows? I may need those ones in future.
> H.G.
If you don't feel you need them, don't take them;
that has always been a wise course to take.Stay happy, girl :-)
Squiggles
This is the end of the thread.
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