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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Squiggles on October 28, 2004, at 19:58:36
I skipped one of my 3 lithium caps
a day and a half ago. When I took the normal
dose today, it hit me very hard: chest
congestion, breathing problems, shivers
rather than flushing, and heaviness.This has happened to me every time just
about and i even have given it a name"the slammerino";
I experienced that same heaviness when
I was initiated to lithium - felt like
an elephant for a couple of months.It goes away, and stabilization soon
sets in. I do it sometimes to reduce
the daily diarrhea.My questions: Why does lithium
make you feel so heavy? Why is it
more intense at some times rather
than others (perhaps there was
an underlying mania and the drug
provided a contrast); And does
it have an effect on blood pressure
or the heart?Thanks anyone who knows the pharmacology
of lithium.Squiggles
Posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2004, at 8:03:05
In reply to Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by Squiggles on October 28, 2004, at 19:58:36
Well, i made it through the night.
I feel very tired this morning as if
I have gone through an operation.I did hope to hear from someone who
might know if this kind of incident
in drug treatement is chemical dyspnea
or cardiac dyspnea, or what.It's tough taking these medications.
In itself it creates a stress of its
own and medical problems.But, we have no choice.
Squiggles
Posted by prodgirl on October 29, 2004, at 16:09:34
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2004, at 8:03:05
I'm feeling ya, Squiggles.
Sometimes I'll be watching tv and out of no where, my chest is heaving and I have to remind myself to breathe. I am acquiring an electric cuff to monitor my blood pressure (I'm pretty bothered by this).
I feel like I am wearing a lead suit, pulling me down. All the sudden, cold rushes over me, then generally, I am rushing to the bathroom.
The tummy - I have found that if I take two Metumucil capsules the minute I wake up, it helps. This gives the fiber time to do what it does, and me an hour or so until I have eaten, tea, etc, then take my Li. The fiber seems to be helping a good bit with enough time not to interfere with the Li absorption. I am also seperating my doseage, breakfast and dinner. Taking it with a real meal rather than a glass of milks seems to be helping a good bit. Still have stomach cramps, but no diarrhea.
Posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2004, at 16:31:43
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by prodgirl on October 29, 2004, at 16:09:34
I appreciate your reply Prodgirl.
Prodgirl,I will try the Metamucil. From what
I read about lithium, salt related
disorder like this, i suspect it was
hypo or hypernaetremia.Lithium is very tricky with salt/water/potassium
balance. Electrolytes or something:hypernathttp://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2000/05_00/fall.htm
Posted by prodgirl on October 29, 2004, at 16:41:18
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2004, at 16:31:43
Yeah, the Potassium-Sodium pump thing...
Don't stop yourself from putting extra salt on your french fries. Must drink fluids, or we are putting ourselves in danger. I have started drinking a glass of Gatorade every day to keep my electrolytes balanced. It's only 50 calories for 8oz, so it's not so bad.
Posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2004, at 16:47:39
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by prodgirl on October 29, 2004, at 16:41:18
All hands on deck :-)
- Salty Dog
Posted by Squiggles on October 31, 2004, at 20:00:26
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by Squiggles on October 29, 2004, at 16:47:39
Many thanks to prodgirl for the
urgently needed help; it felt like
a heart attack and took a couple of
days to stabilize;I'm OK now - Gad - i'm *****
indestructible, :-)Squiggles
Posted by prodgirl on October 31, 2004, at 21:12:17
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by Squiggles on October 31, 2004, at 20:00:26
Glad to hear you are feeling better, Squiggles.
Just don't let yourself believe that you can take over the world (call me for help).
Posted by Squiggles on November 1, 2004, at 14:18:34
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by prodgirl on October 31, 2004, at 21:12:17
Hee hee,
That was a joke. I'm not trying to
take over or save the world. I'm
trying to save myself. And if doctors
had more time for us, we wouldn't be
spending so much of it on the net
bothering people with our whiny side
effect problems.Ah well, there are countries where the
ratio of people to doctors is much worse,
so we shouldn't complain.I do feel that giving and taking advice
on Dr. Bob's may be a tiny weeny risky though,
unless it comes from a doctor, no offense.It's great for exchanging similar experiences
though, as we have.Take care, and don't try to save everybody
here, :-)Squiggles
Posted by Squiggles on November 1, 2004, at 14:31:57
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (lithium), posted by Squiggles on November 1, 2004, at 14:18:34
And this is what I mean prodgirl -
nothing personal but notice what happens
with the well meaning and kindness which
may not be monitored by Dr. Bob or any
of his medical counsellors:The interaction between lithium and
psyllium is actually clinical -- i.e.
the lithium level is changed with
Metamucil.Now this, may be a good or a bad thing,
but only your dr. would know for sure:http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/psy_0214.shtml
Posted by prodgirl on November 1, 2004, at 14:45:27
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (psyl.), posted by Squiggles on November 1, 2004, at 14:31:57
I can only assume, that many here, like me, are looking to see what others experience, seeking some answers or a place to start. I hope that all are well meaning, but honestly, this is only a piece of my research. I don't believe in self medicating in any form. I talk to my pdoc before I would try anything.
My pdoc suggested psyllium, knowing that it could effect my levels. We discussed a time when a small amount would help my GI distress, but not effect my Li absorbtion.
I hope that you may have spoken to your pdoc about this "form" of treatment before you would try it. The good thing is that you have done your research before just going out and trying it.
No blood no foul, Squiggles.
> And this is what I mean prodgirl -
> nothing personal but notice what happens
> with the well meaning and kindness which
> may not be monitored by Dr. Bob or any
> of his medical counsellors:
>
> The interaction between lithium and
> psyllium is actually clinical -- i.e.
> the lithium level is changed with
> Metamucil.
>
> Now this, may be a good or a bad thing,
> but only your dr. would know for sure:
>
> http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/psy_0214.shtml
Posted by Squiggles on November 1, 2004, at 14:48:37
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (psyl.), posted by prodgirl on November 1, 2004, at 14:45:27
I understand. Again, I appreciate
your help, and hope that your wise
approach will be good for your
treatment.Thanks prodgirl, really.
Squiggles
Posted by Squiggles on November 2, 2004, at 8:20:06
In reply to Re: Is there a pharmacologist on board? (psyl.), posted by Squiggles on November 1, 2004, at 14:48:37
To your credit prodgirl,
psyllium *reduces* rather than
increases the lithium blood level.
As far as i am concerned that is
a good thing, but as far as my dr.
is concerned - NOT; as i have asked
to be lowered many times but my
blood levels are in the *right* range.In any case, it would seem to me that
erring on the side of caution is
better than the latter. And so, in my
view i owe you an apology.BTW, i found some improvement with
the couple of days i took Metamucil as you
suggested; but i will have to check with
my dr. about it on account on this possibly
his unwanted decrease. Maybe, it's not
that significant and i can avoid the
daily diarrhea.Thank you.
Squiggles
http://www.besthealth.com/Integrated%20Medicine/ConsSupplements/Interactions/Fibercs
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