I am a bipolar case who is taking Lithium 1500 mg and abilify 5 mg.I still have loss of interest an?

21 Jul 2009

You might want to consider your lithium serum level regarding your trouble concentrating, as the two have a high corresponding rate. According to Fredrick Goodwin, the populist Bipolar Expect these days, maintaince serum levels do not need to be as high as once thought. It used to be thought tha maintance levels should be between 0.8 - 1.2 mEq/L, but newwer research suggest that levels can be maintained at between 0.6 - 1.0 mEq/L. Might not seem like much, but that little difference in serum level can make a huge difference in cognitive functioning. Here is a link to a great article about it.
http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/37/13/27

21 Jul 2009

Just out of curiosity, how long have you been taking the lithium and abilify? I would suggest you start off asking your doctor if he/she thinks you need to have your dosages adjusted before giving up and trying something new. There are other meds that help with bipolar behavior such as seroquel and zyprexa, but I would not suggest trying to switch to any one of them without seeking the advice of your doctor. Good luck.

28 Apr 2010

I would highly recommend talking with your Dr. concerning the Abilify. I was on Abilify for 6 years and then went on lithium. My research says it takes about 3 months for abilify to wash from my system. I went off abilify and on lithium in march of 2009, and by the end of may, I developed a severe movement disorder. It has been found that the abilify caused this severe side effect and is likely permanent! Research also says that when lithium and abilify are taken together, there is a much greatern risk for developing at least one severe side effect. Please be very careful. If I were you, I would research abilify and lithium side effects on this site so you are familiar with them should you experience them, you know when to get help. I will say though that I feel lithium has saved my life, for real!!! good luck.

14 Oct 2010

I'm a bipolar I take 900mg Lithium everyday. I'm slowly loosing my memory. I find it difficult to concentrate in my work. I have gained weight. I have sleep disorder, too.

13 Apr 2011

Hi saharg, I am on Lithium 600mg at bedtime and have no memory loss whatsoever. When did you start these medecines. I know when I was depressed my memory was not very good until my meds started working and I was more relaxed. Hope this helps you. smileyhappy.