How long before lithium and celexa controls my moods?

Good afternoon cjr,

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I am 56 and was diagnosed bipolar when I was 13. You didn't say how old you are, but depending on your age, lithium may or may not be the medication for you as it has a very narrow therapeutic range and if not careful, can rise to toxic levels quickly. I believe you must be young or else any self respecting shrink would not have prescribed it. If you are older than 40, be sure to ask him/her why not depakote or lamictal or trileptal, all mood stabilizers. I have been on depakote for at least 30 years with NO problems.
Lithium usually has a almost immediate response or I'd say within a week as your blood level approaches the target therapeutic range. Hang in there. As for the celexa, an anti-depressant, I would give it a month to start feeling better. I know it's hard, but hang in there girl.
YES... if you are bipolar, you will feel alot better on medication. I don't know how extreme your mood swings are but if they approach extreme, its best to be medicated than not. I PROMISE. Life will be a whole bunch easier for you sweetie/dude. I have a lot more information for you if you like (from my personal experiences) or you might want to look online at nimh.gov for a wealth of information regarding your diagnosis.

I wish you luck in your new adventure 'cuz life is one!

he Sweetest Hippie