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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tonyz on June 20, 2009, at 21:55:52
Anyone on lithium have memory problems. Some fairly detailed stuff that I've read mentions nothing about memory loss, but it does get mentioned on some web sites. Just wondering what the real users have to say about it.
I know there are some over the counter lithium based products - very low dosage, but wondering if anyone has tried those and have any experiences they would care to share.
Posted by morganpmiller on June 20, 2009, at 23:34:37
In reply to Lithium and memory loss, posted by tonyz on June 20, 2009, at 21:55:52
Hey tony,
There is a chance of having memory/cognitive impairment with every single mood stabilizer out there. The higher the dose, the more the chance of impairment I believe.
Lithium Orotate and Lithium Aspartate have been used by many with success. Some take one or two everyday simply for neuroprotection, which many of us could use. I tried lithium orotate with some success. It definitely does something. You have to take both aspartate and orotate 2 or 3 times a day. You may want to give either a try. Just keep it low at first and see how you feel.
I would consult a good p doc about lithium or any mood stabilizer. Or, if you have a really good primary care physician they may be able to answer some questions for you.
Like i said before, if you felt a difference on a low dose of lithium along with an AD that worked for you, this would be ideal. You need not worry about low dose lithium. Lithobid is good because you should only have to take it once a day.
A low dose would be something like 300 mgs.
It sounds like you are worried about side effects from these drugs. I would be more concerned about getting stabilized first for a while, then you can try lowering doses. You may just benefit from a low dose starting out. You never know until you try.
Cogitive/memory impairments from drugs like lithium and depakote, if they occur at all, will not be permanent and linger for too long once you get off of them or lower the dosage. At, least that is my understanding
Posted by tonyz on June 21, 2009, at 14:35:24
In reply to Re: Lithium and memory loss, posted by morganpmiller on June 20, 2009, at 23:34:37
Yep Morgan that is the problem with all of these drugs, sometimes I feel I'm exchanging one problem for another. When I get depressed I get really depressed to the point where I become very forgetful mostly short term but some long term is affected as well. So the cognitive part really bothers me, but the incidence of relapse has been high so I can't afford this happening anymore.
So I have to try and balance what a good combination is for me. Couple of docs have been pushing lamictal. Lithium has been around longer all the effects are probably known at this point, I am just surprised about hearing about possible memory problems. I think when I asked my current pdoc about that (who I plan to ditch) he said if the dosage is too high. When I asked him about lamictal if it disturbs sleep architecture, he didn't know and seemed to imply that I worry too much.
Posted by morganpmiller on June 22, 2009, at 0:48:22
In reply to Re: Lithium and memory loss, posted by tonyz on June 21, 2009, at 14:35:24
Yeah dump his *ss. Most doctors will try to get you to not worry too much though.
You may sleep great on lithium or lamictal. Everyone is different of course. Lamictal may be stimulating at first, preventing you from sleeping well. Then again, lithium could do the same. Lamictal is know to be more stimulating though. When I was on Zoloft, I slept wonderfully for years. I could sleep anywhere at any time. I'm sure there are people out there that had a terribly time sleeping on zoloft.
I say just do as much research as you can. When it comes down to it you may have to take the plunge in one or another regardless of potential side effects.
A low dose of any mood stabilizer may work well for you. If that is the case, you don't have to worry much about side effects. Lamictal is a funny one though. I depletes your body of folic acid and it binds to the melanin in your skin and eyes. Whether that melanin thing is bad or not in the long run, they don't know.
Who knows, Lamictal has been a wonder drug for so many. Though, it is like every other mood stabilizer out there, it comes with it's own baggage.
My best advice, find a new p doc. And, maybe buy some lithim orotate or aspartate and give it a try. I took it for a while and it was not even detectable in my blood.
If say you tried a low dose of lithium/depakote combo, you may be stabilizing your mood and protecting your brain from some scary things that could develop as you age. It's just nice to know that the drugs we are taking might do some good things for us in the long run other than just stabilizing our mood.
This is the end of the thread.
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