New to lithium?

8 May 2012

Lithium is a prescription medication approved to treat bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).

The exact way in which the drug works to treat bipolar disorder is not known. Lithium may affect various chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which could explain the its effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder. The medication is not a cure for the condition, however -- it only helps to control symptoms.

Lithium is usually taken two to four times a day and comes in several forms, including regular tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, and syrup. Commonly reported side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, and nausea.

However for more details please do seek medical advice from the doc/pharmacist who prescribed the med.

Take care, best wishes!

8 May 2012

If it is hormonal, might be a good idea to talk to the gynecologist about hormone replacement therapy rather than adding more psyche meds. Just a thought.

8 May 2012

I agree, if your psych thinks its hormonal, why order lithium and not a gyne consult.

8 May 2012

Hi Daggypants,

I have been on Lithium for 5 years now for major depression. It took 6 months for the docs to find the right meds for me. Lithium works great for me. The only thing is you need to get a blood test to check the levels of lithium in your blood. It needs to be monitored. I did get hypothyroid after a year of being on it. At the beginning keep track to the side effects and tell your doctor about them. I had the shakes really bad to the point I could not write properly. Had trouble holding a cup of coffee. But everyone is different. Now I am fine. Also you need to make sure you drink a lot of water because Lithium dehydrates you and you can get toxic. Hope I haven't scare you away from the drug because for me it is a Godsend.

Take care,

Smileyhappy