Question 1

can lithium worsen depression and cause fatigue within first week?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Depressed mood and drowsiness are two potential side effects of lithium.

Question 2

what should i do on lithium? my doctor recently put me on lithium for depression, and i was wondering what foods/drinks i should have, and which i should stay away from. i didn't get time to ask him, so could you guys give me some help?

Accepted Answer

Here : Here are some suggestions. Avoid caffeinated food and beverages. Avoid alcohol. Studies suggest fish oils can help with brain function and behavior. Types of fish that have healthy fatty acids include: herring, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna. Try to get at least two servings per week or you can consider omega 3 fatty acid supplements with your doctor's approval. 
General health is important. So avoid large amounts of red meats. You can check for saturated fat and trans fat on food labels, as you want to try to avoid these. Avoid junk food (simple carbohydrates).  Eat a well balanced diet to include: fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Consider soy products and nuts as well. 
  A specific recommendation for lithium is to avoid heavy salting or added salt. Avoid high fat content in your diet as it can slow the absorption of certain medications.

Question 3

can wellbutrin (bupropion) and lithium improve anxiety, depression, and overal mood?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is often helped by lithium, which is a mood-stabilizing medication.  Sometimes depression is severe enough despite this that an antidepressant like wellbutrin (bupropion) is added -- but not without the mood stabilizer.  If prescribed by your psychiatrist and you are followed regularly, the combination may help your mood,  wellbutrin (bupropion) is not an anti-anxiety medication, though.

Question 4

what to do if i have weird feelings from taking lithium for bipolar/depression?

Accepted Answer

Please let: your physician/ psychiatrist know how you are feeling. Be specific when describing this and /or any side effects. Take care.

Question 5

i've on lithium for bipolar and depression for the past 2 weeks and have been in a constant manic episode. can a doctor on here prescribe me something?

Accepted Answer

Mania: I don't believe that we can prescribe it. Please either see your psychiatrist ASAP or if need be - go to the nearest emergency room. Take care

Question 6

how is the success of lithium therapy in atypical depression?suffering from unipolar treatment resistant depression.

Accepted Answer

Treatment : Research suggests that lithium is effective 50% of the time when added to antidepressant medication to augment response in the treatment of depression.

Question 7

how long to take lithium as add on for severe recurrent major depression?

Accepted Answer

Lithium treatment: Lithium can be taken as long as necessary provided it is the primary med necessary to stabilize a person's recurring depression and is medically safe. Blood levels should be drawn periodically to monitor, eg., lithium levels, thyroid, kidney function. Close clinical supervision is essential to observe a pt's functioning and address any side effects, eg. tremor, weight gain which may occur.

Question 8

how long do people with severe recurrent depression stay on lithium on average?

Accepted Answer

Usual time varies: The standard is a minimum of 6,  but there is less recurrence if it is 12 mos.  If there have been many recurrences, you may want to consider using it long term for prophylaxis

Question 9

what is the best depression/pain medicine that goes with lithium?

Accepted Answer

No such List: There is no such product or list. Psychiatric medications are not prescribed based upon a 'cookbook' of medications.  The appropriate medications will vary from human to human and experience to experience.

Question 10

how lonh does it take lithium to work for balancing moods? bpd & depression still pretty bad& moods all over the place.

Accepted Answer

Clinicsl response: Usually a week or two.  Clinical response different blood levels. Good medication, work with your md keep him or her updated  on your symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Lithium depression

A member asked:

Can lithium worsen depression and cause fatigue within first week?

A member asked:

What should i do on lithium? my doctor recently put me on lithium for depression, and i was wondering what foods/drinks i should have, and which i should stay away from. i didn't get time to ask him, so could you guys give me some help?

A member asked:

Can wellbutrin (bupropion) and lithium improve anxiety, depression, and overal mood?

A member asked:

What to do if i have weird feelings from taking lithium for bipolar/depression?

A member asked:

I've on lithium for bipolar and depression for the past 2 weeks and have been in a constant manic episode. can a doctor on here prescribe me something?

A member asked:

How is the success of lithium therapy in atypical depression?suffering from unipolar treatment resistant depression.

A member asked:

How long to take lithium as add on for severe recurrent major depression?

A member asked:

How long do people with severe recurrent depression stay on lithium on average?

A member asked:

What is the best depression/pain medicine that goes with lithium?

A member asked:

How lonh does it take lithium to work for balancing moods? bpd & depression still pretty bad& moods all over the place.

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