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Reviews
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chilekat2
Veteran Member
Registered: February 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 340
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Thu May 2, 2013
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $15.00| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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lithium carbonate
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CONS:
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too many side effects
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I took it for a few weeks. started gaining weight, my hair was coming out,extremely thirsty. My doctor told me however that I didn't give it a chance to work and that everyone has lithium in their biody. was told I would have to get my levels checked with blood samples, no thank you.
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dollydoo
New Member
Registered: July 2012
Posts: 1
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Sat July 14, 2012
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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mood stabilisation
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CONS:
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weight gain, dehydration, feeling emotionless
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been on lithium for 3 years it has helped me a lot in terms of my moods and depression. i do find that i feel like i am on an emotionless cloud, i dont really care about anything anymore, im not happy not sad just pretty much a zombie.
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Riotgirl
New Member
Registered: February 2012
Posts: 1
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Wed February 29, 2012
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5
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PROS:
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Don't know yet
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CONS:
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Dont know yet
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Imstart this tomorrow and I'm a little scared. I was diagnsised bi polar at 17, but cos my mother didn't believe it's taken till she's passed away and me 32 to be fully treated for it. I'm told it's gotten worse, I rapid cycle now. I'm mainly down, with spurts of mania. I wish I could be always mania with the energy levels. I hate no energy, exshauted all the time. Been reading here, little nervous but sorta hopeful with what everyone's said
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moogifier
New Member
Registered: July 2011
Posts: 3
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Thu February 9, 2012
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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No long-term side effects (for me, at least), definitely gets a hold on my Bipolar
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CONS:
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Dry mouth, dehydration, having to get blood drawn for level-checking
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Short story long: I had been on Lithium before for about 5 years, when a bad decision made by an intern at the VA hospital landed me in the ER with lithium toxicity. What happened was I had been in the ward for a severe depressive episode and she increased my lithium from 300mg a day to 1200mg a day. I'm female and am 5'2", 100 pounds soaking wet. I was discharged from the ward with my new dosage and a started to feel very ill within the next 24 hours. I was throwing everything up (even water and popsicles) to the point where I was left dry-heaving. I was having body spasms and was constantly dizzy. At first I thought I had the stomach flu or something. For some odd reason, I didn't even give a thought to the possibility of lithium toxicity. When a nurse suggested over the phone that I go to the ER, I did. I ended up in the detox ward at the VA, getting the lithium out of my system. That was probably the sickest I have ever been.
After that, I swore off all meds. Being bipolar, that probably wasn't such a smart thing to do.
This past summer/fall, I got back on lithium (after a lot of conversing with my doctor) and I also take Prozac (although that's being phased out as I will be starting Wellbutrin soon). This time, the Lithium works just fine. I'm on 450mg a day (started at 300) and I think that dosage suits me fine. There were the side effects at the beginning: the shaky hands, extremely dry mouth, and upset stomach. Those have all pretty much disappeared. I feel no side effects from the meds at all, and it really has helped my moods. It has also seemed to have a calming effect on me, but I'm really not sure if that's the Lithium or the Prozac or something totally different.
You just gotta' make sure you get your levels checked. Yeah, getting blood taken is no fun, but it's necessary for this.
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Tosspot
Member
Registered: November 2011
Location: North Shore, Massachusetts
Posts: 248
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Fri November 11, 2011
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $8.00| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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Excellent stability
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CONS:
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thyroid shut down
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I loved Lithium but my thyroid was shutting down and I didn't want to add Synthroid to my med list. But I would def. recommend at least trying lithium and seeing how it works for you.
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rpdcycle
New Member
Registered: July 2011
Posts: 2
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Mon July 18, 2011
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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price
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CONS:
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uncontrolable rage, tremors, drinking enough water for a small village
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turned my anger levels into something very scary. ended up having EMS called for slicing my arm open with a steak knife. I got 10 stitches and a psych hold. They said my lithium levels were good. Very very bad med for me. I stopped it immedietly afterwards. Oh and now my thyroid doesn't work.
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spacemonkey36
Member
Registered: March 2011
Location: Washington State
Posts: 81
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Sat March 19, 2011
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $2.50| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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??? There are-well not for me???
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CONS:
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Oh, how about kidney failure and complete loss of lifetime thyroid function!
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This drug caused me permanent kidney damage--I now have about 47% of normal kidney funcion: where I finally stabilized. But when I was admitted to the nephrology unit for DIALYSIS, I had Acute Renal Failure, and they didn't know if any of my kidney function would ever come back. I also permanently lost all thyroid function, and 16 years later, still take thyroid replacement. After several dialysis treatments, I did regain enough function to get by. But I am now permanently hampered in any treatment or medication I am given by the permanent damage to my kidneys. Watch out for that nice potential side effect I also got: nephrogenic (means it starts with the kidneys) diabetes insipidus. Hormones get released, and you have the 2 symptoms of diabetes (without the glucose problems), which are severely increased urination (we're talking about 3-4 gallons/day, and up to 1 liter at a time with each urination...8-9 times per night to pee, not to mention the times per day)...I drank up to 4 gallons a day to keep up with the fluid loss, and this fouled up my electrolytes so badly I ended up intubated in the ICU. I think I will pass. My goal in life at age 20 was not a kidney transplant. It was to graduate from college. I had to take a semester off to recover from the effects of this drug (? poison?) and it took me another year to grauate, b/c I could only do part-time my first semester back. And try and work to support myself? Good luck--and I was independent--my family was not helping me financially. So, be aware of how much you're taking in and how much you put out if you suddenly notice increased urination and THIRST. Even on 4 gallons/day, I was actually dehydrated when I was admitted to the ICU. My potassium had also been depleted to the fluids I took in, and put put, to 1.2 (normal is 3.5-5mg/dL, and you can suffer cardiac arrese at about 2.8, sometimes even at 3.0), and the nurse looked at me and said, "I have tried to resuscitate patients with higher potassium levels than you've got." Scared me to death. I list this as an allergy. I don't stop breathing in terms of hives and anaphylaxis-no, it was worse than that!
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Jane999
Junior Member
Registered: October 2006
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 18
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Wed April 7, 2010
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 0
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Oh yea. I almost forgot. Incredible weight gain. Combined with an antipsychotic I put on almost 80 pounds over six months. This stuff adds an incredible health tax on your glands and nervous system.
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Jane999
Junior Member
Registered: October 2006
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 18
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Wed April 7, 2010
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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Nothing
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CONS:
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severe tremor, extreme dry mouth, lack of emotional response,
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Lithium Carbonate was a horrible drug I was forced to take against my will. I had to take 1500mg daily and I suffered. Dry mouth that never went away was the least of my problems. I was always tired, reading was a chore. When you are fourteen years old you shouldn't be moving like a palsied senior citizen. I couldn't feel my emotions much anymore except occasionally sadness that this was happening to me. Six months was far too long to have had my blood toxic and getting stuck with needles to make sure my kidney's weren't dying. I was so much happier off of it and my body felt clean again when this crap was out of me. If you didn't have a chemical imbalance before, this stuff will give you one. Suffering the illness symptoms was preferable to life under the effects of this toxin.
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4alleternity
Newly Joined
Registered: February 2010
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Thu February 25, 2010
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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?
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CONS:
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serious weight gain
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i didnt like it at all. My doctor put me on 500 mg and i gained 50 pounds within months and it was so hard to get off until i stopped taking the medicine.
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4alleternity
Newly Joined
Registered: February 2010
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Thu February 25, 2010
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $20.00| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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?
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CONS:
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serious weight gain
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i didnt like it at all. i gained 50 pounds within months and it was so hard to get off until i stopped taking the medicine.
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skuldam
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2009
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Mon November 30, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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calmness, stablizes mood
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CONS:
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hand tremors, regular blood tests
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Eight months ago I had first manic episode which I had to be hospitalized. As in inpatient, I was given Zyprexa, which works, but I gained 25 lbs in 2 weeks. I also feel sleepiness midday. As an outpatient, I switched to Lithium and did not have any of the side-effects Zyprexa has.Initially, I had to find my therapeutic level so constant blood checks is a bit of a hassle. But after that, Lithium feels great at .7 therapeutic level.
I was on 1500mg of Lithium before having to quit due the potential negative effects to my kidneys. I'd prefer to be on Lithium had this not been the case since it made me feel like my old self. My hands did shake a bit, but the effect was not unbearable.Right now, I'm on Abilify and Depakote. This cocktail is just not the same since my daytime sleepiness is the same as when I was with Zyprexa.
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phoenix47baby
Grand Member
Registered: September 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 619
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Mon November 16, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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life saving product for some
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CONS:
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fine hand tremor, regular blood tests
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life saving product for me
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psychodwnldr
Newly Joined
Registered: October 2009
Location: maryland
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Sat October 17, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $6.00| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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CONS:
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agitated,moody.headaches,lack of sleep
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my doctor put me on cymbalta for my anxity and mood swings then i was diagnosed w/cyclothymic personality,my shrink put me on lithium 900mgs. 11 days i was on it i was tired,agitated and mood was back to were it was before i stared taking the cymbalta.Lithium just wasnt for me. I've been off it for 2 days w/just taking the cymbalta and i feel great
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Topher
Grand Member
Registered: February 2005
Posts: 750
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Wed September 30, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $20.00| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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Excellent mood stabilizer for bipolar I individuals
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CONS:
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Slight side effects and the need for serum level monitoring
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I have classic bipolar I symptoms with extreme manic episodes requiring hospitalization and clinical depressive episodes. Since becoming compliant with lithium in 1981 I have been symptom free until this year, that is 28 years. Unfortunately, when my mother died in April my serum lithium level was low and I suffered a manic relapse that requirerd a brief hospitalization. This medication despite some diarrhea and mild hand tremor is a God send, allowing me to life a normal life without any fuzziness in my thinking. I do have to be careful about drinking too much which is a bit of a sacrifice. It is not for everyone but if you are bipolar I it is usually the drug of choice.
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glindanorth
Newly Joined
Registered: August 2008
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Fri August 14, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 6
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PROS:
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controls mood swings effectively and neutralizes suicide ideation
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CONS:
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weight gain, dry mouth, balance problems, cognitive decline
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Lithium won't win any awards for enhancing one's physical comfort or appearance, nor will it help you appear smart. I have lost major IQ points on lithium, and I often find myself searching for words when speaking and forgetting the mostobvious things. I put on 50 pounds in under two years taking this medication.Dry mouth and dizziness are a given. On the other hand, I lost the desire to act on any suicidal thoughts romping through my brain.
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toriiixx
Junior Member
Registered: June 2009
Location: galway newyork
Posts: 11
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Sat June 13, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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works alright
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CONS:
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tremors, dizziness
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It doesn't work as well as I would like. I have to take 1200mg a day and the lab work gets ridiculous. Hasn't had much of an affect on me but it's alright
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sunnyday
Junior Member
Registered: May 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6
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Wed June 3, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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none
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CONS:
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it made me hallucinate
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Didn't work for me
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Topher
Grand Member
Registered: February 2005
Posts: 750
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Mon March 30, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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Effective mood stbilizer for Bipolar I disorder.
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CONS:
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Needs to be monitored for renal and thyroid complications. Minor side effects.
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I resisted my Bipolar diagnosis for ten years resulting in multiple hospitalizations for major manic and depressed episodes. I had extreme poles when decompensated including psychotic mania and severe depressive episodes. The birth of my son motivated me to accept my diagnosis and become compliant with Lithium treatment maintaining a serum lithium at .7 mEq/l.I have been without a major manic or depressive episode for over 25 years now on lithium. I do have some side effects, mainly a slight hand tremor that I can control with concentration. I also have slight dry mouth that if not managed can cause halitosis. These minor side effects do not out weigh the benefits of having an otherwise normal life thanks to the efficacious and reliable simple salt that is lithium carbonate.
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Pers3phone
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2008
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Sun November 2, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
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PROS:
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Fewer side effects, provides stability
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CONS:
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Emotionally, makes me like a robot
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I've taken lithium for over five years, after having two manic episodes altogether in a two year period of time. I had one manic episode during this five year period when I had the flu and stopped taking the pills. I go to work every day, pay my bills, and generally function fine. But I have cried maybe three times since I've been on lithium and I generally feel detached, like nothing matters one way or another. The only feeling I can muster is "kind of angry" about the effects of this drug. I realized that I have not been able to love anyone new in this time, so my relationships suffer. I have only been able to love those I already loved in a sort of logical way, like I remember loving them so I can act out of love. I haven't been able to really bond with my dog. I guess this is an acceptable side effect for a lot of people, compared to the devastation of untreated mania. I'm working with a doctor to kick lithium so I can see if the lifestyle changes I've made will keep me stable without robbing me of the ability to love and connect with other human beings. If it doesn't work, I guess I'll resign myself to a lifetime of lithium.
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doctorjake
Newly Joined
Registered: August 2008
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Mon August 18, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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inexpensive
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CONS:
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made me into a zombie
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At first I liked this drug because it helped decrease my suicidal thoughts but now I hate it. I used to feel happy and sad a lot (goes with being bipolar huh?) but now all I feel is meh. I think I'd rather have the ups and downs.
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skittleburst14
Newly Joined
Registered: August 2008
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Sun August 10, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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absolutely NONE for me
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CONS:
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violent depression/suicidality that lasted for months
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I have been diagnosed with ADHD, major depression, anorexia, bulimia, insomnia (no anxiety disorder, and I received an inappropriate bipolar dx). I took this a few years ago when I was about 23, and it was the absolute worst drug I have ever taken in my life (I've been on over 30 diff meds in 10 years). My mood tanked so quickly that I ended up laying in bed sobbing (about nothing, b/c literally nothing was wrong) for hours and hours... moved to the couch, and couldn't move off of it. Turning my head was depressing enough to make me cry. I couldn't be alone for one second. It was scary how violent that depression was. Even thinking about it makes me feel like I want to go back and sue that doctor for malpractice (who upon hearing this reaction, encouraged me to double the dose! And since I was too wacked-out to argue, I acquiesced and my parents had to take me to emergency room I became so suicidal. For the people who truly have bipolar, this drug could be a godsend, but if you do NOT or are unsure, be VERY careful with this one. I would never want anyone to go through the same hell I endured on this.
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hidenseek
New Member
Registered: July 2008
Posts: 1
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Mon July 14, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
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PROS:
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made me more calm
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CONS:
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memory bad confused and panicky,wiped out my thyroid,put on weight.
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took myself off,when doctor told me the extreme tiredness was due to my thyroid being affected by the Lithium.Also I couldn't remember things and was confused whwn talking,much slower and fogetting words.This made me panic.
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alexbrooks09
Newly Joined
Registered: May 2008
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Thu May 29, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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helps with paranoia
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CONS:
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it makes you tired, shakey, and decreases your attention span, apathy, loss of memory
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I hate lithium...I can't tell if my problems are due to long term psych with drawls from Adderal, or side effects of lithium ... but I cant concentrate...I'm flunking my freshmen year in high school...I have no emotions hardly, and also emotional labilty..i drink lots of black tea and some coffee and i get really angry, irritated, and dramatic..before i wasnt on lithium and had caffeine it made me feel alert and kind of euphoric. Should I just stop taking it and throwing away my doses when my moms not looking?? Also how does lithium interact with seroquel?
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carbonmade
Newly Joined
Registered: May 2008
Location: Hopefully not where I currently am come winter...
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Sun May 4, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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helped control extreme mood swings, decreased impulsivity (ie: manic shopping sprees, excessive drinking), decreased racing thoughts/fast-paced speech a bit
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CONS:
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increased appetite, possible sexual side effects (though could be from another med i'm on)
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have been diagnosed bipolar I and II so not sure which I am, however,
i've never been so stable in my life as since i went on lithium in september 2007 when i was in inpatient treatment for my eating disorder among other things. i was there 3 months and my boyfriend said that after i came back i was like a different person. it helps control my mood swings and impulsivity and i'm told i act more adult/my age (24). it has really helped me stay sober actually as well. now i can function like a semi-normal human being (though not fully yet - it doesn't cure everything.) on 900mg/day and was afraid it would turn me into an emotionless zombie but it hasn't. if anything i'm feeling my feelings more, only expressing them in a more appropriate manner.
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biplr4me
Junior Member
Registered: July 2007
Location: Waukesha, WI
Posts: 8
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Mon March 31, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 0
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PROS:
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Controls the highs and lows of my bi-polar
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CONS:
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Heavy weight gain and crushes you're emotions
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Please see my previous post update but this drug has been horrible for me. It took away all of my emotions and left me with a small amount of bitterness and anger, to help me get the strength to get off of it. The numerous side effects ,for me, are not worth the mood control. I also never expected a 35 lbs weight gain. I am trying to diet and it's not coming off! If lithium works for you hey stay on it but for me I need to find a more mental and body friendly med.
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LBear1947
New Member
Registered: March 2008
Location: Oregon
Posts: 5
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Mon March 17, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $180.00| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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It stabilized me at a very low level.
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CONS:
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The side affects are awful. Headaches bladder irritation sweating
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At 150mg I was fine. Then 300mg the headaches and bladder irritation got very bad. Have suffered through this and can't go higher but I can't take the bladder irritation any more. I also take lamictal which never controlled the mania.
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LithiumLullabye
New Member
Registered: February 2008
Posts: 2
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Sun February 17, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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no more nightmares, level mood, less agitation
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CONS:
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some weight gain
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Overall, pretty good. I can lead a much more normal life while on this med.
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75peanut
Newly Joined
Registered: January 2008
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Sun January 20, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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cheap, works well with Lamictal
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CONS:
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weight gain
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I have been on both Lamictal and Lithium Carbonate now for a year now. Just getting over a cutting episode last week, first time during this past year that I have been on it. Overall I would recommend it.
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ehrhar
Member
Registered: December 2007
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 37
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Tue January 15, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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Stable mood
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CONS:
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Hand tremors
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Lithium is also one of my favorite drugs. Though I hate the tremors I know that it is really working for me. I also hate the frequent blood level testing.
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runnergrrl
New Member
Registered: January 2008
Posts: 1
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Thu January 3, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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Depression has lowered.
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CONS:
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Numbness, poor cognitive function, poor memory, blood tests, inability to have hard workouts, lack of interest in life
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I am on 900 mg. When I first started it (almost a year ago) I became very happy. But, as time wore on, I almost lost my job because I was forgetting things (I was doing well at my job prior to Lithium). I was running red lights and stopping at green ones. I also noticed a numb feeling. I pretty much do not care about people or life itself. I feel like I just exist. I have had suicidal thoughts. I have tried to get off Lithium, but I became even more severly depressed. My doctor has suggested Abilify, but I don't see any difference in side effects. I have been on almost every drug so my doctor is running out of ideas. Lithium is great, if you can bear with the fact that you will experience at least some of the side effects. I am bearing with it, for my mother.
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biplr4me
Junior Member
Registered: July 2007
Location: Waukesha, WI
Posts: 8
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Thu December 20, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
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PROS:
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Helped calm my major mood swings and cycling
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CONS:
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Kind of makes you feel flat
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I was on it about 15yrs. ago and it didn't work then but as I have controled my Bi-Polar it seems to work very well with Lamactil, and some cymbalta which I may be going off of. I am looking to find out more about the caffine connection to Lithium. I am an ex-alcholic that went from booze to Coca-Cola as a fill in.
If this is effecting me while using Lithium I'm open to any knowlege of this being a real problem. Otherwise execpt for the kind of flat feeling it works very well.*Update* This has taken all of my emotions and crushed them into oblivion. I don't feel anything but anger I can muster up because I feel like this. I am contacting my meds Dr. to get off this and on something else where I have feeling once more I think this is why I went off Lithium all those years ago. Good luck if it's working for you, but it's killing me emotionally and the 35 lbs. weight gain is not a help for my health.
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Barbarian
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007
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Fri November 30, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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Inexpensive; very effective mood stabilizer
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CONS:
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You'll probably gain weight, but usually maxes out after a couple of months.
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For the price, I recommend this drug over any other for mood stabilization. However, if you have the money then I'd invest in Lamictal for both mood stabilization and depression; moreover, I'd suggest combining this drug with another for anti-depressant properties (such as the HIGHLY recommended drug Lamictal -- especially for depression). You cannot lose with this wonderful combination of Lamictal and lithium for bipolar disorder.
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st0rmy
Junior Member
Registered: August 2007
Location: China + UK
Posts: 16
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Thu October 11, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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Haven't been on it long enough to know...
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CONS:
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Over tired,irritable,no energy and dizzy spells
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I am on prozac and doc gave lithium,convinced that I have Bipolar but I'm still not sure.Was that dizzy that hubby had to help me balance,could not lift my head from the pillows or even tolerate the lights.Hope no one got it as bad as me...
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102riley
New Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: Southeast Alabama
Posts: 3
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Wed October 10, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $3.00| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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really controlled my mood swings and slowed me down
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CONS:
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feel a little dopey, mostly headaches, GI, and nausea
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I finally am on the lowest dose possible, 150 mg. I could not handle the major side effects I was experience. I even tried to go back up to 300 mg after some time on the very low dose, but the symptoms came right back. I would recommend this to any bi-polar patient; don't let the internet scare you or the side effects, they do lessen with time.
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bat7777
Newly Joined
Registered: September 2007
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Fri September 21, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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cheap, few side effects for me
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CONS:
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the stigma of a mood stabilizer, sometimes shakey hands
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well, lithium might make some people into zombies... but i take 1350mg daily and i am not one. was diagnosed bi-plr-1 two years ago, and for most of that time have been on a mix of antidepressents, atypical antipsychotics, and benzos. all in all had remained mostly depressed or manic until lithium was put into the mix. was a bit ambivalent about starting a mood stabilizer - thought i would get fat, bald, and tired. none of the above occured. i feel better and would recommend some of you fellow nutjobs give it a go...
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ChrisM
Member
Registered: June 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 21
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Tue June 19, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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This med seems to be the only one that has helped me so far!~~
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CONS:
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I do feel a little dazed ( which could be cool) lol
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I really think I should of been put on this med 2 years ago~! I am finally feeling a little better.
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dreamrunner
Veteran Member
Registered: May 2007
Posts: 340
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Sun June 3, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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seems to help minimize suicidal/self harm thoughts
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CONS:
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blood pressure up a little/doesnt help too much with depression/nausea
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450mg daily dosage
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MOJO3
Member
Registered: May 2007
Location: Earth
Posts: 248
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Thu May 31, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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Stopped manic behaviorisms...more balanced...still me...but better than the alternative....mostly manic always with little depression...hardly notice it at all if taken properly
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CONS:
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blood test...blood test...low levels... trembling when started...adjustments to medication make you naseaus...taken for 5 years...rather be with than without. It is inexpensive.
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Had to adjust the amount of salt in my diet, I increased it and lowered my caffine intake in order to adjust the level of lithium im my system...bottom dropped out at .3 needs to be at .9 to work for me...taking 900mg per day now...blood work...twice a year. It is working, I am still stable and working. I also take one asprin everyday because I have read that it increases the effects of lithium.
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Murren
Junior Member
Registered: May 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 7
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Tue May 8, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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It works really well. Success since diagnosis 10 years ago.
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CONS:
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Hardly any...avoid caffeine tho...I am certain that a high caffeine drink caused a relapse.
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Has worked really well for me through major life events and remained stable for 10 years...but i do feel that problems with high caffeine drinks and lithium are under published.
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Psychotic_Phil
Veteran Member
Registered: February 2007
Location: Seattle WA USA
Posts: 303
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Fri April 27, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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Relieved some weird mood swings
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CONS:
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Made me a zombie, had hand tremors
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Lithium is ties with Abilify as the worst med ever. This horrifying piece of crap med is equivalent to having your brain chopped into little pieces, then taped back together. My opinion? Stay away from Lithium andd all mood stabilizers in general.
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savinmyself
New Member
Registered: April 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2
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Fri April 20, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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helps to keep my mania's from being out of control
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CONS:
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tremors in hands but it out ways positive affects
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I guess when you have severe mania's and severe depressions another med has to be added i'm also on lexapro and the 2 combined have givin me a "normal" ground
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jattitude74
Member
Registered: March 2007
Posts: 124
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Wed April 4, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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helped control my moods,
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CONS:
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none so far, besides blood work, and more blood work!! hand tremors
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1200 mg per day, moods aren't so dramatic, still have mood swings just not as bad, been taking for 3 mo. now we will see!!!! Dose was just increased to 1500mg/day. Blood levels have been closely monitored and doc says my mood swings should be going away.Waiting game again!!! Update---lowered dose back to 900mg because of hand tremors. Couldn't even write! Doing better now,added seroquel to the mix along with the lithium. All is good for now.
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deebonetti
Newly Joined
Registered: February 2007
Location: woodtsock ny
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Sun February 11, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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My fathher said this is the best drug to use if u have bipolar disorder, its not gonna chaneg ur personality its gonna balance it....
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CONS:
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You have to drink alot of water , and i hheard if u use ithe drug to long u can have health risks but that only rare cases
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i think its the best and only drug to use if u have bipolar disoder..my father swears by it . its doenst change ur personlity it balances it ..it dont make u feel like a fuicking zombie..like alot of the otehr meds do.
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crazymusiclvr
Member
Registered: January 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 97
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Sat December 2, 2006
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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A life saver. I've been stable on it for 3 years now
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CONS:
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possible weight gain
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Lithium has helped me control my bipolar disorder. It has helped control the mania and the depression. It's inexpensive. I know people who've been taking it for 20 years.
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Yoda
hoping for a better year
Registered: October 2006
Location: Appalachia
Posts: 6681
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Mon October 30, 2006
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $1.00| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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inexpensive
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CONS:
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Got lithium toxic when doctor did not monitor blood levels; side effects did not mention severe itching
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I was taking 300 mg/day and had few blood levels drawn. After being unable to sleep at all for 5 days/nights and severe vomiting/diarrhea I was admitted to a hospital where my lithium level was 2.9 (norm = 0.5-1)
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Meta
Member
Registered: July 2006
Posts: 276
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Sat October 14, 2006
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
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PROS:
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perhaps evened out my moods
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CONS:
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very tired, sluggish, hair loss, weight gain
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Would not recommend for mild bipolar==I think I have mild bipolar disease--unlike others in my family who have more severe mood swings--not sure if its best when disease is mild. I think I have only been hypomanic and side effects are as bad if not worse than the mood swings
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WeepinChild
Newly Joined
Registered: October 2006
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Fri October 13, 2006
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
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PROS:
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It has evened out my life internally
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CONS:
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it doesn't control the outside world
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I have been on Effexor for so long, only due to a new doctor was i diagnosed bipolar. I feel lost a little deeper in my own world cause i have had to do this on my own all along with no one who understands only try to help. But i found this site...so i'm hoping it's a good thing.
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Sun September 24, 2006
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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helped pull me out of a deep depression & increased my energy & enthusiasm for life quickly
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CONS:
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impaired kidney function (had to get off it due to that), hair loss, weight gain
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Due to impaired kidney function on lithium, I had to discontinue it. It definitely lifted my depression (bipolar I)& increased my enthusiasm for life.
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JudyNky
New Member
Registered: September 2006
Posts: 1
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Sat September 23, 2006
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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Just started taking last month. Has helped some
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CONS:
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get crying spells for no reason,but not as many
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Just found out I was bipolar last month. I had a week of very severe lows.Couldn't get out of bed. Was put on Lithium.Was already on a drug called Lamictal, which is also a mood stablizer. But, have been battling depression for 20 years. I am just wondering if I have been bipolar all along. I really think I have. I am gald to join all of you. Been looking for people to talk to.
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