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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 jerseygal1 on September 22, 2011, at 14:50:08
In an earlier message, I wrote that I started lithium as an augment to pristiq. I forgot to ask if anyone knows how long I can expect it to be before it begins to work (if it does work, keep my fingers crossed). I increased from 300 mg. the first night to 600 the second night and tonight I will go up to the full dose of 900 mg.
Posted by SLS on September 22, 2011, at 15:20:17
In reply to Lithium - How long does it take to work, posted by jerseygal1 on September 22, 2011, at 14:50:08
> In an earlier message, I wrote that I started lithium as an augment to pristiq. I forgot to ask if anyone knows how long I can expect it to be before it begins to work (if it does work, keep my fingers crossed). I increased from 300 mg. the first night to 600 the second night and tonight I will go up to the full dose of 900 mg.
What are you looking for lithium to do for you?As an augmenter added to an antidepressant to treat unipolar depression: perhaps 2 - 10 days.
To treat bipolar depression: it might take longer, but I haven't seen this question addressed directly.
To treat mania: a few weeks.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on September 22, 2011, at 21:50:58
In reply to Re: Lithium - How long does it take to work » jerseygal1, posted by SLS on September 22, 2011, at 15:20:17
No blood levels before upping the lithium each time? I'd think a week at each dose? Phillipa
Posted by jerseygal1 on September 23, 2011, at 10:16:55
In reply to Re: Lithium - How long does it take to work » SLS, posted by Phillipa on September 22, 2011, at 21:50:58
No the pdoc just wanted me to get a blood level once I was at 900 mg. Is that unusual?
Posted by Phillipa on September 23, 2011, at 21:16:33
In reply to Re: Lithium - How long does it take to work » Phillipa, posted by jerseygal1 on September 23, 2011, at 10:16:55
I just feel that if new to lithium with such a narrow theraputic window. I personally would want to know where I was before increasing the dose but that is me. Phillipa
Posted by atypical on September 24, 2011, at 9:42:35
In reply to Re: Lithium - How long does it take to work » Phillipa, posted by jerseygal1 on September 23, 2011, at 10:16:55
> No the pdoc just wanted me to get a blood level once I was at 900 mg. Is that unusual?
I don't think it is unusual. If you blood levels are higher than they should be you might feel it through tremors. I got those at 1200mg. My regular dose is at 900mg. I get blood levels checked twice a year. They range from 0.6 to 0.9. And this is the right level for depression augmentation, although the levels can be slightly lower to be effective.
Atypical
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