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Name Lithium
Generic name lithium
Manufacturer N/A
First used in 1960s for mood disorders
Family Mineral
Indications Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Alcoholism, Periodic aggressive, Explosive behavior


What is lithium?
Pure lithium, like sodium, calcium, or potassium, is a naturally occurring mineral. Lithium is found abundantly in certain rocks and the sea and in minute amounts in plant and animal tissues. Lithium also shows up in water, notably in the springs and spas where in earlier times people "took the waters," bathing in and drinking the lithium-rich water for its soothing effects. Whether lithium actually calmed 14th-century ladies and gentlemen has never been documented. What we do know is that, from time to time since antiquity, doctors have noticed that lithium can control over excitement in some of their patients. Today, lithium is administered to patients as a lithium salt, usually as lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, which is taken by mouth in capsule, tablet, or syrup form. Pharmaceutical companies often assign a "trade name" to their products. Examples of trade names for lithium are Cibalith, Eskalith, Lithane, and Lithobid. Some companies use only the chemical name, that is, lithium carbonate or lithium citrate. Modern physicians rely on these various forms of lithium to treat serious mental illness. Properly administered, it is one of the most powerful medications available for mood disorders.

History
John Cade, an Australian physician, introduced lithium into psychiatry in 1949 when he reported that lithium carbonate was an effective treatment for manic excitement. Unfortunately, Dr. Cade's discovery coincided with reports of several deaths from the unrestricted use of lithium chloride as a salt substitute for cardiac patients. Four patients died, and several developed toxic reactions. It was not known at that time that lithium can accumulate to dangerous levels in the body or that lithium has to be used with special caution in patients with cardiac disorders. As a result of these experiences, lithium was virtually neglected in this country until the early 1960s. Research by European psychiatrists, especially Dr. Mogens Schou in Denmark, hastened acceptance of lithium in the United States. Renewed interest in the compound led to numerous clinical trials, including pivotal studies conducted by NIMH. These studies showed how lithium could be used safely and effectively to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, research-both in animals and humans-showed that lithium influences several functions in the body, including the distribution of sodium and potassium, which regulate impulses along the nerve cells. Lithium can affect the activity of neurotransmitter and biological systems because it alters the way in which a variety of messages are transmitted after they reach their target. Although scientists have many promising leads, they have yet to explain the biochemical actions of depression. In 1970, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lithium as a treatment for mania. Four years later, the FDA also approved the use of lithium as a preventive, or prophylactic, treatment for manic-depressive illness.

Uses
Psychiatrists use lithium in two ways: to treat episodes of mania and depression and to prevent their recurrence. Lithium can often subdue symptoms when a patient is in the midst of a manic episode, and it may also ameliorate the symptoms of a depressive episode. The single most important use for lithium, though, is in preventing new episodes of mania and depression. Lithium is also being used experimentally to treat other disorders.

The effectiveness of this lithium prophylaxis or lithium prophylactic treatment has been demonstrated in more than two decades of careful research. In related research, several major studies indicate that lithium can decrease the frequency or severity of new depressive episodes in recurrent unipolar disorder. This suggests that lithium may also have prophylactic value in treating this mood disorder. Conventional antidepressants also have been shown to be effective prophylactic treatment for recurrent unipolar depression. In prophylactic treatment, lithium is administered after a manic or depressive episode to prevent or dampen future attacks. Some patients respond quickly and have no further episodes. Others respond more slowly and continue to have moderate mood swings even months after therapy is started. These highs or lows usually become progressively less severe with continued lithium treatment; often they disappear. With other patients, lithium may not prevent all future manic and depressive episodes, but may reduce or lessen their severity so that the individual can continue to lead a productive life. There are patients who are not helped at all by lithium. About one in ten patients with bipolar disorder who takes lithium does not respond to the medication, but continues to have manic-depressive episodes at the same frequency and severity as before. Doctors cannot predict with certainty how lithium will work in any individual case. This can be determined only by actual use of the medication. When deciding whether a patient should start lithium prophylactic therapy, a psychiatrist or other physician considers the likelihood of a new episode in the near future; the impact that the episode might have on the patient, family, and job; the patient's willingness to commit himself or herself to a long-term treatment program; and the presence of medical conditions that may rule out lithium treatment. Usually, a doctor prescribes lithium prophylactic therapy only after a patient has had two or three well-defined episodes requiring treatment. Patients who have had only a single attack, mild attacks, or a long interval between episodes-for example, over 5 years-usually do not receive prophylactic treatment unless the second episode would be life threatening or highly disruptive to the patient's career or family relations. Such rules, though, serve as only broad guidelines. Patients must act as the doctor's partner in weighing the circumstances and making the decision. Each patient should understand the reasons for lithium prophylaxis is as well as the benefits and risks and be an informed participant in the treatment program. When lithium fails or when a patient has another medical condition that precludes its use, the doctor may consider an alternative prophylactic drug treatment. First, however, he or she will reevaluate why lithium failed: Was dosage adequate? Did the patient take the medication as prescribed? Does the patient have a problem with thyroid function? Many patients with mood disorders have malfunctioning thyroid glands, a problem that can be successfully treated with a thyroid hormone or related preparations without withdrawing lithium. For manic-depressive patients, the anticonvulsant drugs carbamazepine (trade name Tegretol) and valproate (trade name Depakote) seem to be the best alternatives to lithium. Sometimes the anticonvulsant drugs are given alone, sometimes in combination with lithium, to prevent or dampen future episodes. Patients with unipolar disorder who fail on lithium often are given an antidepressant drug alone or in combination with lithium. A severe episode may be treated with electroconvulsive therapy. Information on alternatives to lithium treatment can be found in the literature listed at the end of the pamphlet.

Side effects
Most patients do not experience serious side effects when they begin lithium therapy. Initially, the patient may have slight nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, thirstiness, muscle weakness, and feelings of being somewhat tired, dazed, or sleepy. A mild hand tremor may emerge as the dose is increased. These effects are normally minimal and usually subside after several days of treatment. But some of the initial side effects may carry over into long-term therapy and others may emerge. Some patients continue to have a slight hand tremor. Many drink more fluids than usual without always being aware of it-and urinate more frequently, while still others may gain weight. Weight gain often can be controlled with proper diet. Crash diets should be avoided, however, since they may adversely affect lithium levels. Also, to avoid excessive weight gain, excessive amounts of drinks with high sugar content should be avoided. In patients who have low amounts of thyroid hormone, enlargement of the thyroid gland may develop, but this condition is generally not serious if monitored closely by a physician. It can be successfully treated with supplementary thyroid medication without withdrawing lithium. Because of physiological changes in kidneys observed in some lithium-treated patients, any past or current kidney disorder or changes in frequency of urination should be reported to the physician. Long-term lithium therapy can also worsen certain skin conditions, especially acne and psoriasis, and may produce edema, or swelling, which is due to accumulation of water in tissues. Lithium must be taken with care, with attention to taking the proper dose, having regular blood tests, and reporting changes in diet, exercise, and the occurrence of illness. Toxic levels of lithium in the blood can cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, extreme thirst, weight loss, muscle twitching, abnormal muscle movement, slurred speech, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, stupor, or pulse irregularities. Sudden physical or mental changes should be reported to the doctor immediately. These problems can almost always be avoided when the doctor's instructions are followed carefully.

Precautions
Lithium is excreted from the body almost entirely by the kidneys. If, for some reason, the kidneys are unable to get rid of the proper amount of lithium, the drug may accumulate to dangerous levels in the body. The excretion of Lithium in the kidneys is closely linked to that of sodium. The less sodium, or salt, in the body, the less Lithium is excreted, and the greater chance of Lithium buildup to toxic levels. Diuretics cause the kidneys to excrete sodium; as a result, Lithium levels rise. The reason that many illnesses can increase lithium levels is that increased sweating, fever, a low salt diet, vomiting, and diarrhea all result in less sodium present in the body, thus producing higher levels. Lithium should not be taken by patients with severely impaired kidney function. Patients with heart disease and others who have a significant change in sodium in their diet or periodic episodes of heavy sweating should be especially careful to have their lithium blood levels monitored regularly. For women in the fertile age range, the possibility of harmful effects on the unborn child may pose problems for continued use of lithium. Children of mothers who received lithium during the first 3 months of pregnancy have been reported in some, but not all, studies to have a slightly increased frequency of malformations of the heart and blood vessels. Even though this risk is low and uncertain, it is strongly recommended that women discontinue Lithium during the first 3 months of pregnancy. The decision to stop the medication, however, must be weighed against the possible consequences of an untreated manic or depressive attack, which may result in injury, physiological stress, dehydration and malnutrition, sleep deprivation, or possibly even suicide. Because of the risk of postpartum depression or mania, lithium is sometimes restarted during the final weeks before birth is expected. Women should not breast feed when they are taking lithium, except in rare circumstances when the potential benefits to the mother outweigh possible hazards to the child.


Source:
This booklet was written by Robert F. Prien, Ph.D., and William Z. Potter, M.D., Ph.D., psychopharmacology and manic-depressive illness experts, National Institute of Mental Health. Editors were Bette Runck and Lynn J. Cave, NIMH.

Resources
List of Lithium manufacturers



MEMBERS' NOTES (first is most recent) ADD NOTE     SORT BY: NAME / DATE
new user of lithium by joy moore
I have been on drugs for depression for 40 years, mainly panicky feelings. I am hoping that lithium will not only stabolise my mood, but get me off tranquilizers. I am on my second month, off for a bloodtest this morning, I started on 200mg and am now on 400mg so have not felt any noticeable effect yet, but an full of hope for some peace in my life so that I can enjoy my family and make plans. Something I have felt very difficult to do.   (Wed Dec 20 3:36 2006)

Questions by Sue
Go to the following site to get answers to your questions regarding psychiatric medications. This is the best site:

http://crazymeds.org/   (Thu Oct 26 10:33 2006)

Still waiting by Garvin
Still waiting if anyone knows the answers to my questions.....
   (Fri Aug 11 11:07 2006)

Weight by Garvin
Why exactly does Lithium make people gain wt? Never really hear of anyone losing wt..   (Sat Aug 5 16:29 2006)

oops! by pdadoctor09
oops that's http://online.epocrates.com/u/10a44/lithium   (Fri Jun 2 17:32 2006)

Reliable Information by pdadoctor09
More than 500,000 healthcare professionals use Epocrates mobile and web-based solutions routinely to access clinical information such as drug dosing, interactions and pricing.  https://online.epocrates.com/u/10a44/lithium   (Fri Jun 2 14:19 2006)

Look up Psychiatric Drugs by Reliable Drug Information
Free Drug Reference: Dosing/Insurance Formularies/Side Effects/Drug Interaction http://www2.epocrates.com/products/online/   (Tue May 30 17:49 2006)

geodon by reneee
I started taking this a couple nights ago for bi-polar, anyone have any comments about it??   (Thu Apr 20 22:35 2006)

to Beth by Sue
I just started 600 mg of lithium and am afraid of the side effects.....are you extra careful about drinking lots of water - when did you start your lithium - how long does it take before the effects are felt....I've only been on it 5 days.

   (Mon Apr 10 16:21 2006)

lithium by beth
does anyone take low doses of 600mg lithobid for bipolar disorder 1?   (Sat Apr 8 14:28 2006)

lithium level by beth
I have bipolar 1 and the doctor put me on 900mgs daily of lithobid. it gave me daily headaches, so icut back one pill. I now take 600mgs daily and feel great. Hope my levels are high enough.   (Sat Apr 8 14:24 2006)

lithium by Joy Breer
When a doctor tries to determine if you have a tremor (from the lithium), he has you hold you're arms straight.  Then he will hold my hands.  Will my hands continue to tremor, or will this stop it?   (Sat Mar 18 15:14 2006)

Lithium and Metalic taste by Chris
My Partner has recently been put on Lithobid. It has been about 6 weeks and she has a real bad hand tremor, wants to sleep all the time. Working 3 hours a day exhausts her and she has a real bad metalic taste in her mouth. Nothing tastes good and she is eating everything in site to get the bad flavor to go away. She says it is like having an aspirin desolved in your mouth all the time. She wants to quit taking it, but I am afraid that will make thing worse for her. Is there a good alternative medicine for her? Will the Metalic taste go away? How long will it take. Her symptoms include...Metalic taste, hand tremors, Lethargy, lack of lustre, no laughter, woried about things but does nothing about it, feels detached, feels like she is moving in slow motion all the time even though I don't think she is.
   (Sun Feb 26 0:40 2006)

drugs by berlin
I have been takining litium for 2 weeks now and I am still having suicidal thoughts and major mood swings.Does anyone have any comments or advise for me.   (Fri Feb 24 21:01 2006)

DRUGS by BERLIN
I'll check back later.   (Fri Feb 17 18:37 2006)

DRUGS by BERLIN
Can someone answer my qusestions.   (Fri Feb 17 18:36 2006)

DRUGS by BERLIN
Is Tegratol any better than litium? Should I switch my meds? Any suggestions or comments?   (Fri Feb 17 18:30 2006)

lithium by berlin
i just started taking lithium and i guess its fine.i cant tell either way that im takiking it or not. so who cares?   (Fri Feb 17 18:27 2006)

lithium and anti-inflammatories by dave
does anyone know of any effective anti-inflammatories you can take with Lithium, the literature only allows paracetamol/panadol- other seem to effect levels, does anyone have an answer?   (Fri Feb 3 12:05 2006)

getting off by Alaine
I am bipolar and have been using lithium for about 20
years!  I just told my doctor I would like to stop taking it. I
am also taking lamictal. With her monitoring my blood
levels I plan on being Lithium free by spring. I have been
taking 600 mg.  Remember that if you have a good
doctor, with regular visits, you have to initiate dialogue
about whether you're ready to modify your meds.
Otherwise you may end up taking a med that is stronger
for longer than you needto.   (Thu Jan 12 4:36 2006)

muscle twitching by Meg
I have been on 600mg of lithium about 3 months.  Along with effexor and wellbutrin. I started noticing my muscles twithcing.  I will be in bed and all of a sudden my arm or leg will "jump" Any one else have this?   (Sat Dec 31 23:57 2005)

To Paul and Mark: Really pathetic! by Roger Bernardo
You sound like the loser brothers I once knew. Paul, Richard and Mark Morin, of Quebec. Especially, Paul and Richard. You have not grown up, yet?! Face it, Paul, you've made a nervous reck of Sandra Green. Why don't you tell everybody on this chat site that you have had an accident that left you in bad shape mentally and physically. The wisest, Mark, is not of the same gene pool. Paul, Sandra cannot stand your egotistical attitude and you should consider letting her make her own decisions and listen to her less stubborn approach towards life. You had a severe concussion, Paul, try getting your life back together, learn from the past experiences, don't repeat your mistakes/misfortunes again, listen to the real message women tell you (not the complaint itself), accept the relationship as over (unless you are willing to make serious changes to your personality & lifestyle), sharpen your look/image, shave daily, keep your hair cut on a regular basis, stop burning ALL your bridges or relationships with your friends, think before you act or respond, swallow your pride when you realise that you did wrong and don't be afraid to appoligise to your wife/gf/friend/family/children/in-laws & yourself. I do know one thing, you can be sincere when you want.

A psychologist or social worker would have charged you $1000.00 for this piece of advice (not including gas to get to your sessions), would not have written it down for you, would have had you spend several sessions spilling your guts, and at the end you would have felt you were back at square one (Normal feeling after several short sessions). I gave you the truth in less than 5000 words, so that you don't have to search for your inner self aimlessly, as to why Sandra is no longer with you...

Before you react to this message, don't think about anything. Go by a book called "Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars". At first skim through it, after glancing at the Table of Contents. Then, revisit the book every weekend until it becomes second nature. When you meet your next girlfriend, you will be more confident and be able to see why she needs to talk your ear off every once in a while. I hear that nothing is better than makeup sex, for some men & women.

I hope this really helps and that you do not get angry. Try to view the forest and focus on the same old trees (problems-people-relationship).

Let the past be the past and forget about it!!!!! Start looking forward with new goals. Start with small goals to accomplish bigger ones. Think about yourself, first. When you are better, you can take a new girlfriend's issues and make your newly found security hers as well. It's really that simple. Stop hating people from your past. Move on. Be a good person to yourself and all your ex's (That includes friends and relatives as well).

Best of luck! Don't worry, I've had my share of problems, too. Please don't look me up. Thanks. Remember, easy does it. Rome was not built in one day.   (Sat Dec 10 2:27 2005)

Bi-polar by Lizzy
I was diagnosed with bi-polar in feb this year.
It was set off due to the stress of my separation with my partner of seven years.
I have been on Lithium since March and feel terrific mentally. But I tend to always feel tired and I have put on loads of weight. I also get severe headaches if I am dehydrated.Does anyone know of a bi-polar chat room or support room on-line ??
   (Sun Dec 4 0:34 2005)

Jay's Mom by Shamus
I had a neighbor who's son was exactly the you describe your teen. Aggressive (verbally and Physically) and non compliant. Severe mood swings and outbursts. They treated him with Tegretol and all of these sypmtoms subsided.
He told his mother afterward that he was sorry, but he couldn't help himself from cussing her out all the time and behaving the
way he did.  The Tegretol did the trick for
him; it was miracle, because he was a really
mean kid before Tegretol.   (Wed Nov 23 10:50 2005)

sex by a.
can anyone tell me how lithium affects the sex drive and what you can do to overcome it (how it depletes it) and if there are any particular herbs,chemicals, techniques that a may help a guy.I am a girl who is simply doing all she can.
   (Fri Nov 18 2:00 2005)

side effects by sandi
i took my first dose of lithium mlast night. it was 450 mg cr one. about four hours after i took it i had this awful anxiety attack. i am taking it for depression and klonopin as well. i am really concerned about taking it again tonight. i had dizziness and still do,dry nose and throat just like i took benadryl or something. just a general whoozy feeling but worse.....like being hungover to the max!!!! anybody have any advice?   (Tue Nov 15 6:41 2005)

Help!! by Luci
I have a 7 year old that just started lithium about 6 weeks ago.  She is ADHD and does have some Anxiety problems that have seemed to have gotten a lot worse on the lithium? Has anyone ever had experience with this sort of thing? I am not sure if they are considering her bi-polar or not, just seeing how the medication works for her since she does have some type of mood disorder.  I am at my wits end.  I was really hoping that once she got on the lithium she would be better, but now I can't even go out of the house and she cries because she is scared we are lost or that I am not coming to get her from school.  Anyone that could give some knowledgable advice would be appreciated!   (Fri Nov 11 12:17 2005)

in love with bipolar by bebe
I'm in love with a bipolar who is in process of a separation w\kids.. he loves his kids and doesn't want them to suffer..he is currently trying to lower his lith dosage, in two weeks went from 1200 to 600 mg, due to physical concerns.. Can anyone explain his contradictory nature - he wants to be with me every two weeks, but after each time together, he feels remorseful and says he has to break it now or lose our friendship.... this has been going on for 2 months now.  I want to make it work with him, but I'm not sure if what he's feeling is guilty lust or he really has true stress from trying to separate and can't separate his loss from his exitement, thereby causing stress.  Is this a common feeling for a bipolar on lith - wanting to be happy or in love, but not being able to take it for whatever reason?   (Tue Nov 8 22:58 2005)

wanting to be pregnant by Erin
I want to have another baby but I am worried about the
risks of going off my lithium. I am in school as well and
don't want to jepordize my grades- which are actually
good for the first time in my life ( due to being stable) I
think I am in denial of how serious this disease could be.
WIth my first pregnancy I actually felt great- normal -
stable- it was wonderful. Even my husband noticed. But
sure enough in the last couple months of pregnancy I
could feel it creeping back into my like again. Racing
thoughts at night that kept me awake even though I
desperatly wanted sleep. As soon as my son was born and
I got back on lithium things slowly returned to normal. I
want another baby so bad but afriad of the risks. Anyone
else have any advice about pregnancy and bipolar? Erin   (Sat Nov 5 0:25 2005)

lithobid by jennifer
I have been feeling not so right lately and quit taking my lithobid. I do not believe it is working for me, i also started bruising badly which i have never done before. What are the effects of going off lithobid?, i can't find any on-line.   (Mon Sep 5 1:11 2005)

Poor Sorry Paul!!! by I C U
boy do I ever agree with you.  I do think its best that when someone doesn't have the abilty to stand beside someone.  It is better to divorce them.  Lets face it.  As such stable and normal people that we are.  Especially you.  And I know for a fact that with such a name as "Paul" you would be very much like Paul from the Bible.  And I know for a fact, if christ had been bi-polar he too would have "divorced" the son of god.  Lets face it, only a "stable" person would follow anothers "claim" to be the son of God.   I guess being "blinded" by God is truely quite "stable".  God bless the "stable" people of the bi-polar community...those inflicted and those who are "perfect in health"!!!!

Oh BTW, vows to god aren't "valid" during illness huh?  "Stable" isn't spelled out so its not an "illness" huh?  

and since i am one of the "unstable" crowd.  Please darling, don't YOU worry about what illness YOU will inherit.  remember....life is a LONG time on earth.  what you reap you will sow.

good luck!!!!

   (Fri Jul 22 20:59 2005)

PAUL THE PIG by TC
hey paul...if YOUR stable?  god bless that wonderful woman for haveing YOU as a poision LEAVE her.  Its the EVIL in our lives that drive us to insanity.  So nice to know how your able to be so godlike in diagnoising HER instablity.   When its some child like YOU who doesnt have the capacity to truely stand by someone.  GOD forbid YOUR kids get sick.  At least when you run from them....their TRUE parent will step up and CARE for them...even with her insanity.  It doesn't alter our abilty to LOVE and be DEVOTED.  ...so....just WHO is the "unstable" one.  May GOD help your children....   (Fri Jul 22 20:45 2005)

Paul by KTOOOO
Paul: I appreciate how agonizingly difficult it must be to have to interact with your wife when it sounds like you would really prefer to move on. Caretaking any sick person must be out of love not obligation. I understand your need to protect yourself and your kids.
My bipolar illness was more than my husband was able to deal with and he put me and our young son on a plane to my parents who did have enough unconditional love to help me in every way possible, including seeking highly effective treatment.
The relationship I had with my husband is over. I've been on Lithium for five months and aside from the occasional debilitating side effect, I am marveling at my new relationship with my brain. It is no longer my enemy. Now it's just my brain.
My friend and sister are also bipolar and so I also have experience as a witness and I can tell you how many of their behaviors can be intolerable bipolar people can get.
   (Mon Jul 4 11:18 2005)

Lithium by MWP
I suffer from Bio Polar and have been on Lithium for the past few years, together other drugs.  I now have a major thyroid problem, which can be one of the side-effects of Lithium, as a result of the forth-coming operation I am in the process of slowly being withdrawn from lithium, which is not pleasant to say the least.  From my limited knowledge of drugs (lithium) in particular, try to obtain as much knowledge as possible about the drugs and how they can affect you.  Usually this down the road, when we are stable and drugs are doing "their thing".  These drugs make our lives and that of our families easier and are sadly side-effects are just a part of the package deal.    (Sun Jun 12 1:32 2005)

!!! by Ezri
How dare you?????????

Lithium by judes
Paul YOU ARE A JERK!!! And you had better hope you NEVER have an illness like this!   (Thu Apr 21 14:10 2005)

Lithium in teens by Jay's mom
Anyone know anything about giving this medication to a 14 yearold with adhd, odd and borderline personality traits? Teen is aggressive (verbally and Physically) and non compliant. Severe mood swings and outbursts. Please let me know if you know anything about lithium used in teens.   (Thu Apr 14 0:39 2005)

On lithium for 3 months now by reeeve
Originally psychotic, diagnosed schizoaffective, now new doc believes me to be bipolar. A much better diagnosis IMO, and more fitting to my outward signs.

On 1350 mg per day (serum lithium stabilised at 0.8 units per whatever). Only side affect noticed is a relative lack of libido and a slight hand tremor when I get dehydrated. Also expect slight headaches when first put on the medication.

Otherwise the stuff seems okay. A lot better than the anti-psychotics in terms of lethargy. However, has anyone noticed a lack of reactive emotion? ie - something that would usually get you anxious, sad, happy etc seems to have little effect on the bearings of your emotion?  I've noticed with my studies I have become quite apathetic - usually when a deadline looms I start to feel anxious which in turn motivates me to work. This no longer happens. My studies seem to be affected as a result.

Anyhow, all the best.


Tom.

mood DISORDERS by kevin
I have just taking lithiyum 300 m.g ,doctor sez it is mood disorder rather than depression,keep my fingers croosed i get cured

#8312 by tom
Lucky you have never suffered with such illness hey Paul! or maybe you would be a little ore understanding & less of a loser

#8311 by Liza
Paul your unsympathetic nature sucks!!!!   (Wed Nov 24 12:29 2004)

#8135 by True believer
For 9 years i have been on lithium. It is truly an amazing drug. Yes there are side effects and at times especially in the beginning are severe but worth it.With in the last year my body has not needed half the dosage so i have been able to cut down to 300 mg per day. This is a good thing. The only time i would consider going off of my lithium is during pregnancy and the minute I give birth I expect the pill to be in my mouth. i have tried going off my lithium for an extended period of time and trust me its not pleassant. I have manic depression and my mood swung violently during the first 5 years. it takes time, effort patience and loving care to live with someone who suffers from manic depression.    (Thu Nov 18 12:43 2004)

#8083 by Giselle Robin
need all the Info you have got on Lithium. I am starting a Law Suit. I know the manufatures, the inventor is dead.

16.11.04

#7629 by dennis
i am doing a project on lithium looking for info can any one help me.    (Sat Oct 16 23:22 2004)

#7609 by Mark
I have been diagnosed as bi-polar and have been on lithium as thereapy for 2 months.  I'm still pretty raw in terms of highs and lows and have about 10 or so anxiety attacks a day.  The reason I am posting is about Paul.  I know it must be tough for you but if you truely understood what your wife is going through you would understand why I got a sick feeling reading what you wrote about your wife.  Evrey day you are faced with out being able to trust your self as your emotions ride a huge rollercoaster.  I can almost guarentee that she doen't even really know what is going on around her and has problems seeing properly.  Depicting her as a bad mother is shame on your intelligence and if there was a day that she wanted to end it all by suicide and didn't then she is a stronger figher than most.  

Paul, your wife is still in there.  Right now that woman is distant but if you help her out and show your love for her she will come back.  In my opion with what I have gone through and just starting to understand what is going on I would have you chastized knowing you tried to leave me out in the cold.  Luckily I do live with a family that supported me during my many episodes for the past 8 years of the worst of my condition.  I hope that eventually your wife finds her self in the same situation.   (Fri Oct 15 1:00 2004)

#7142 by Paul
My wife, is on 900 Mg/day for bi-polar disorder. He PSY never chaecked the dosage (blood test) until 2 months later. She has since left our home and is going through a new manic episode. She rapid cycles and her episodes last 2-3 months. Her last episode was April 2004 and she was hypomanic - suicidal. Is there anyway a court can force her to get a new PSY?
I have applied to the courts for divorce, seeking full custody of the kids (2) because her condition is not stable. I figure that a person wouldn't be rapid cycling if it were. Last time this happened, I got Childrens aid involved (Canada) and they told her to give me the kids even though we had a court agreement stating that we had shared custody.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, this is the 3rd time she leaves.   (Thu Sep 16 8:31 2004)

#6729 by linda meacock
i am on lithium carbonate i still suffer highs and lows i have borderline personality disorder ifind it hard to cope and cant see me without my medication  i think i will be on it for life .

#6117 by Alix
Just want to know if there is any way to stop the edema & fatigue dring hot weather.I used to be extremely active athelete, now I really don't want to do anything, especially in the heat. Also, should I take in more salt as well as lots of water? I take a small amount of Lithium (600 mg) combined with Effexor

#3787 by SMITHJ@FCSC.K12.IN.US
I have a friend that is in prison and he is on 50 miligrams of lithium and thorazine as well.This couldn't be good to take both of these is it?

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