My doctor wants me to start on lithium 900mg at bedtime . I'm worried that it's a little too much to start with. Also he said to get the levels drawn next month but I know most people will get them done about 5 days after starting / changing dose. Also the lab order is just for the lithium , should I get kidney and thyroid function tests? I'm just worried because I've never had any manic episodes just a lot of anger issues and some thoughts about death but not suicidal. I'm also on straterra 60mg for adhd I don't think it's woeking but he wants me to keep taking it... any info would be appreciated.
Lithium - 900mg at bedtime to start, is this too much to start with?
Question posted by bymysoultosqueeze on 26 Nov 2013
Last updated on 20 December 2017 by Jaysu 25
4 Answers
Jaysu 25
21 Dec 2017
I just started lithium 900mg 3 days ago for the first time every. My major challenges are severe irritablity, racing thoughts, depression and off the charts anxiety. I've had several doctors tell me that I'm bipolar. I've tried everything and this is a last resort. I've even had 13 shock treatments. What my experience so far is that the side effects are rough, very bloated, painful stomach, stoned feeling, heavy pressure in my chest, and back pain. Not sure what to do about it, should I call the doctor tomorrow?
chuck1957
26 Nov 2013
Hi Bymy No it is not unusually to start with 900mg with lithium i seen this all the time and also tried it for a while myself,as far as blood test the dr knows what to watch for but all they ever did was check my blood every 4 to 6 weeks.this is a long acting medication with the lithium that is why they prescribe it in these dose's what i double checked with here was no mention of having to take a blood test that soon,,sounds all on the right track to me good luck my friend
and hope you have a good holiday..chuck1957 retired pharmacy technician cpht oregon.
WildcatVet
26 Nov 2013
Hi, bymysoul! Just my personal experience ~ my doctor ordered a FULLl blood panel BEFORE she started my lithium at 300mg in the morning and 300mg in the evening. After 2 weeks I had blood drawn for my lithium level only and since I was still a little low she increased my dose to 300mg/600mg. It will be two weeks when I have another level checked next Monday.
I did have manic episodes, but the main reason for adding lithium was my severe anger problems ~ I had almost uncontrollable rages although I did manage not to actually beat on anyone. LOL!!! Seriously, adding the lithium has been wonderful ~ no adverse events at all and it's helped me tremendously.
You should study up on lithium ~ you can just type it in the search box at the top of this page ~ as there are drug and food interactions you should be aware of.
One very important thing is to make sure you stay hydrated. Don't drink TOO much, which is also bad, but try to stick with 6-8 glasses of water a day.
I'm not familiar with Stratera, so I'll leave that to the others when they arrive.
Best wishes, WCV
bymysoultosqueeze
26 Nov 2013
Thank you for your reply. I'm hoping lithium will take care of this anger and rage I feel so often. I had labs done recently and everything was fine, I'm 27 , working out every day and on a low carb diet , I normally drink at least 64 ounces of water a day so should I just stick with that? I'm aware of the nsaids interactions and have been reading anything i can find about lithium since yesterday. I've always thought of it as a heavy duty bipolar med but from what I've been reading it does seem to help a lot of people. Best part is I'm a psychiatric board certified registered nurse and I thought I knew about this stuff, it's not until it touches me personally that I start to realize how little I know and how much I still have to learn. But I digress. Thank you for all the answers. I'm still new to the boards but I'mi will try to contribute
LaurieShay
26 Nov 2013
To quote the Drugs.com site, "Serum levels should be determined twice a week during the acute phase, and until the serum levels and clinical condition of the patient have been stabilized. Desirable serum lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L which can usually be achieved with 900 to 1200 mg/day. Serum lithium levels in uncomplicated cases receiving maintenance therapy during remission should be monitored at least every 2 months. Elderly patients often respond to reduced dosage, and may exhibit signs of toxicity at serum levels ordinarily tolerated by other patients."
A beginning 900 mgs once a day is ok.
lina800630
1 Feb 2015
I think 900mg daily is just fine. I had a psychotic episode in December, was hospitalized for three weeks, I have been on lithium 900mg daily as a maintainence therapy. Got my bloods done regularly and paid visits to my psychiatrist and a social worker regularly too.
However, I did notice that lithium has diminished my thinking abilities significantly. I seem to have become very stupid. Though I'm back to normal, no bizarre thoughts and behavior. Looked up online, it might lesson over time as the brain adjusts to the meds. I ve been waiting to see what happens.
Anyway, lithium works wonders for psychosis. It does come with price, which is the side effects, but u just gonna have to adjust to that, better than going back to psychosis for me at least.
Kookoobird
11 Oct 2016
I have been taking 900mgs of lithium for about a month now. Two weeks prior I was taking 600mgs. But a week ago I started having totally blurry vision in my left eye. Like a flilmy cloudy blur. Its hard to do so much even walk. I read it could be a side effect of lithium but I am taking olanzapine & clonazepam as well. I stopped lithium for 3 days but no change in vision so I started it back again. Im in an abusive & very controlling relationship & haven't called my Dr or advise nurse. Has anyone else had the blurred vision side effect? Or I wonder if it was from some physical abuse I endured
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- Lithium uses and safety info
- Lithium prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lithium (detailed)
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