Question 1

what can someone do about lithium side effects?

Accepted Answer

Be Mindful: Lithium has many side effects, and if you experience any of them you should immediately consult with the doctor who prescribed the medicine. Blood tests are required and should be done religiously.  Take the lowest effective dose, watch your diet and water intake.  If difficulty tolerating Lithium consider trying a different mood stabilizer.  Lithium is not the safest, but can be effective.

Question 2

what side effects has anyone had while taking lithium?

Accepted Answer

Lithium: Sedation, nausea, loss of appetite, mild diarrhea, dizziness, fine hand tremors, increased production of urine and excessive thirst are common side effects.   It's important to check your lithium level regularly to make sure it's in therapeutic range.   http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1065-lithium.aspx?activeingredientid=1065&activeingredientname=lithium.

Question 3

so i don't think i want to be on lithium. side effects not worth it. is there anything similar that might help?

Accepted Answer

Other agents: You need to discuss the options with your own psychiatrist -- but there are multiple other mood-stabilizing medications.  Most are also anticonvulsants, like depakote, lamictal, and even tegretol.  Lithium is certainly the oldest applicable medication in bipolar disorder -- which you don't list in your information, just "depression." lithium can help reduce depression also.

Question 4

how long do side effects continue when forest starting valprease  200 , is this similar to lithium , will it make  a person gain weight . ?

Accepted Answer

Valproic Acid: So, I think Valprease is a form of Valproic Acid, which is an anti seizure drug which can be effective for Bipolar Disorder. The side effects are completely different from lithium. Valproic Acid can adversely affect the liver, where as lithium side effects involve the kidney. Both drugs can definitely cause weight gain, which can be a huge problem. There are other side effects as well. Good luck!

Question 5

on 1000mg of lithium a day, my blood levels were 0.44 mmol/l (0.3-1.3). last 2 days i'm on 1500mg and still no benefits or side effects. is this weird?

Accepted Answer

Not unusual: Lithium levels are affected by a variety of factors, including other medications taken, physiologic states such as dehydration, and kidney functions.  Timing of when Lithium is drawn is important.  It is generally drawn between 8-12 hours of the last dose.  Some formulations are time released, so this can impact results.  Levels are used along with clinical findings to guide treatment decisions.

Question 6

what are the side effects of taking lithium and ritalin/adderol together?

Accepted Answer

Probably minimal: My sources indicate no significant interaction with ritalin, (methylphenidate) but with a stronger stimulant such as Adderall lithium might decrease effectiveness. Also both Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate) may suppress appetite. Lithium has been reported to suppress appetite, but has also been reported to cause weight gain in some so may depend on your metabolism. Make sure your prescribing doctor knows you are taking both.

Question 7

do you know if abilify (aripiprazole) is better regarding side effects than lithium?

Accepted Answer

It depends: I know that is almost always my answer regarding medication side effects, but the fact is that every person is different.  Both lithium and ability have reported side effects.  It is impossible to say which will be better for you.

Question 8

why is my lithium level so low at 0,35 mmol/l when on 1000mg? taking 3 daily divided doses. now i am bumped up to 1400mg. i started about a month ago due to acute manic episode. i feel like i can't tollerate these side effects.

Accepted Answer

Side effects: Are not named in your post, but if experiencing any your prescriber should be aware so that alternate meds or adjustments in current doses can be made.

Question 9

my dr has decreased meds at my request. i feel i'm over medicated. what is known to have more mental side effects, lithium of olanzapine? advice?

Accepted Answer

Lithium, Olanzapine: Commend yourself to discuss with your doctor to decrease meds.

It is not clear if you are taking both Lithium and Olanzapine; and for which Diagnosis and what dose?

Lithium is for Bipolar disorder; Olanzapine for Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder.

See Psychiatrist for Diagnosis of Thought or Mood Disorder, Medications affecting functioning, dose needed, monitoring and  ;Therapy for stress

Question 10

1st full day on lithium & my top lip burns when i move it. no other side effects n i like it so far!

Accepted Answer

Great!: Whatever is going on with your lip will end shortly as your system adjusts to the medication. I am glad to hear that it is not having major side effects for you. Best wishes.

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Doctor answers about:

Lithium battery side effects

A member asked:

What can someone do about lithium side effects?

A member asked:

What side effects has anyone had while taking lithium?

A member asked:

So i don't think i want to be on lithium. side effects not worth it. is there anything similar that might help?

A member asked:

How long do side effects continue when forest starting valprease 200 , is this similar to lithium , will it make a person gain weight . ?

A member asked:

On 1000mg of lithium a day, my blood levels were 0.44 mmol/l (0.3-1.3). last 2 days i'm on 1500mg and still no benefits or side effects. is this weird?

A member asked:

What are the side effects of taking lithium and ritalin/adderol together?

A member asked:

Do you know if abilify (aripiprazole) is better regarding side effects than lithium?

A member asked:

Why is my lithium level so low at 0,35 mmol/l when on 1000mg? taking 3 daily divided doses. now i am bumped up to 1400mg. i started about a month ago due to acute manic episode. i feel like i can't tollerate these side effects.

A member asked:

My dr has decreased meds at my request. i feel i'm over medicated. what is known to have more mental side effects, lithium of olanzapine? advice?

A member asked:

1st full day on lithium & my top lip burns when i move it. no other side effects n i like it so far!

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