Shown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rani on December 4, 2006, at 3:47:12
I have had an awful 2 twos weeks of up/down. BP mixed state - also taking Lexapro 10mg daily and started Lithium 5 days ago 750mg nocte:
Today: I feel normal. not up or down, no anxiety, no agitation. Just normal (from what i can remember)
I feel a bit flat: like I can see happiness and feelings when I hear people talk or what TV but am slightly less reactive to them - perhaps dont feel it as much.
I AM FEELING CALM - the calmest in a long time. It feels so good to be calm. My mind is not driving me crazy.1. Does this sound like my lithium is beg to work?
2. What did other people first notice short term when starting lithium.
3. Does it poop out like SSRI and you need to take a higher dose?
4. Can I expect to become more flat than I am now (it is ok now)?
5. Has anyone had problems with pimples/acne?
6. Any other positive stories about lithium would be greatly appreciated.
Rani
Posted by ronaldo on December 4, 2006, at 6:19:19
In reply to Lithium Q's: please answer, posted by Rani on December 4, 2006, at 3:47:12
> I have had an awful 2 twos weeks of up/down. BP mixed state - also taking Lexapro 10mg daily and started Lithium 5 days ago 750mg nocte:
> Today: I feel normal. not up or down, no anxiety, no agitation. Just normal (from what i can remember)
> I feel a bit flat: like I can see happiness and feelings when I hear people talk or what TV but am slightly less reactive to them - perhaps dont feel it as much.
> I AM FEELING CALM - the calmest in a long time. It feels so good to be calm. My mind is not driving me crazy.
>
> 1. Does this sound like my lithium is beg to work?Yes it seems like it. I started Lithium 30 odd years ago and I can't remember what it is like anymore.
> 2. What did other people first notice short term when starting lithium.
Increased thirst and urination
> 3. Does it poop out like SSRI and you need to take a higher dose?
I was on 800 mg for 25 years without experiencing any 'poop out'. I increased to 900 mg because I was feeling a bit manic and also because I had put on some weight. I was about 150 lbs when I started Lithium, today I am about 180 lbs.
> 4. Can I expect to become more flat than I am now (it is ok now)?
Yes, you may do.
> 5. Has anyone had problems with pimples/acne?
No
>6. Any other positive stories about lithium would be greatly appreciated.> RaniLithium has kept me on the tracks, more or less. It has given me an anchor in life. I would not consider coming off Lithium. The few times that I have come off Lithium life became pretty hectic and I decided to go back on the Lithium. Lithium gives me some buffers, provides a soft landing.
Posted by gardenergirl on December 4, 2006, at 7:51:21
In reply to Lithium Q's: please answer, posted by Rani on December 4, 2006, at 3:47:12
I just started Lithium about 3 or 4 weeks ago, and I'm on a really low dose. Also, I take it to augment other antidepressants for unipolar depression versus bipolar. So I'm not sure I'm the best person to answer your questions. But I'll try from my limited perspective.
> 1. Does this sound like my lithium is beg to work?
I noticed a positive response almost immediately, so I do think what you're experiencing could be related to lithium. I've felt lighter, less depressed, and even in a good mood occasionally.
> 2. What did other people first notice short term when starting lithium.
See above. I also experienced increased urination, though that was good for me since it seemed to sort of counter the urinary retention I get from Nardil at doses above 60 mg.
> 3. Does it poop out like SSRI and you need to take a higher dose?
I don't know about this one.
> 4. Can I expect to become more flat than I am now (it is ok now)?
Again, I don't know. I'm not sure what to expect from it for me, either.
> 5. Has anyone had problems with pimples/acne?
Nope, not as of yet. I am having problems with internal shakiness, like a type of muscle weakness. I confirmed this was related to Lithium by stopping it, having the shakes go away, and finding them coming back when I restarted it. My pdoc had never heard of this, and he didn't seem all that concerned. It can be hard to take for me, since it's centered in my torso, so even sitting up leads me to feel sort of weak. Not sure if this will continue or if it's the type of SE that eventually goes away.
> 6. Any other positive stories about lithium would be greatly appreciated.
So far the benefits in decreasing depression are outweighing the annoying side effect. I do think it's the best I've felt in a long time, though.
Good luck!
gg
Posted by yesac on December 5, 2006, at 12:31:35
In reply to Lithium Q's: please answer, posted by Rani on December 4, 2006, at 3:47:12
It sounds like the lithium could be working for you. I take 600mgs of lithium (it's all my body can handle). It seems to take the edge off, although it certainly is not a be-all-and-end-all drug for me.
Mostly it seems to curb the severe agitation that I used to get. I've been on it for about a year and a half.
There is one major pitfall though: it causes a pretty severe tremor. My hands constantly shake and tremble. My handwriting has become worse. It's embarrassing when I think people can notice my hands shaking. But at this point I don't dare go off of lithium. I tried once and it was a disaster.
Good luck! I hope it continues to help you.
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