Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1108488

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Lithium levels in blood

Posted by ww7 on February 17, 2020, at 3:20:27

In my most recent bloodresults the amount of lithium came back so small they deemed it undetectable, a b-test came up with the same result. This is very strange considering I take camcolit 2x400mg daily. Also this is the dose I took since my stay in the hospital. Back then my lithium levels were good (my psychiatrist prefers the lower end of the lithium scale).

So, anyone ever experienced or heard of something like this before, what could cause it?

 

Re: Lithium levels in blood

Posted by undopaminergic on February 17, 2020, at 3:43:25

In reply to Lithium levels in blood, posted by ww7 on February 17, 2020, at 3:20:27

> In my most recent bloodresults the amount of lithium came back so small they deemed it undetectable, a b-test came up with the same result. This is very strange considering I take camcolit 2x400mg daily. Also this is the dose I took since my stay in the hospital. Back then my lithium levels were good (my psychiatrist prefers the lower end of the lithium scale).
>
> So, anyone ever experienced or heard of something like this before, what could cause it?
>

That sounds very strange! Maybe get another test from another lab, to see if the results are indeed correct.

Have you been eating something recently that you did not eat while lithium levels were normal?

You may also analyse your lithium tablets, to see if they contain the expected amount of lithium. Alternatively, and in addition, you may try another formulation (such as another brand).

The orotate salt of lithium is said to be better absorbed. You can try it to see if it makes a difference.

-undopaminergic

 

Re: Lithium levels in blood

Posted by linkadge on February 17, 2020, at 7:12:26

In reply to Re: Lithium levels in blood, posted by undopaminergic on February 17, 2020, at 3:43:25

Yeah, you may want to analyze the tablets. Lithium has a very distinct taste. You might temporarily try a different brand and / or lab.

Linkadge

 

Re: Lithium levels in blood

Posted by alexandra_k on February 17, 2020, at 18:06:21

In reply to Lithium levels in blood, posted by ww7 on February 17, 2020, at 3:20:27

Maybe a difference in your overall bodyweight?
A difference in your diet / salt intake affecting absorption?
More fibre / faster moving stools?
Time (e.g., hours) between dosage and test?
Different levels of hydration?

Serum levels don't tell you how much is actually in the neurones.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4684-2022-7_4


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