I don't have bipolar disorder or cyclothymia, but when i forget my meds for a day or longer i get symptoms like decreased inhibition, talking too much, racing thoughts, doing risky things, not sleeping as much or at all, feeling out of contol, lightheadedness or an almost buzzy feeling, even less ability to sit still, thinking things are really funny, etc. I'm inclined to blame lithium because it's used to treat bipolar also (i'm on it for mdd and chronic suicidal ideation), but it could be my other meds or any combination. does anyone else experience this?
Can lithium cause symptoms like hypomania as a discontinuation side effect in someone w/o bipolar?
Question posted by Next2normalis2real on 29 Nov 2022
Last updated on 30 November 2022 by Altruist93
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Answers
Altruist93
30 Nov 2022
Depending on how rapid the decrease of lithium, and the amount daily, it can cause extreme episodes of full blown mania, I've unfortunately experienced it a few times. So my answer would be, absolutely hypomania is not out of the question. Many things can actually cause "manic state" I'm referring to two to three months of Mania. Sleep is not very easy to achieve and its very intense. I didn't enjoy going through periods like that. I've been hypomanic as well, however I was fully medicated, and sleep deprivation brought it about. My DDX relating to this post is BP1 or Bi Polar Mania. I still take lithium, however the best treatment pharmaceutically, for me personally turned out to be Clonazepam. So in short, yes hypomania can be caused by rapid detox from lithium. In my experience it makes total sense to me, you may suspect this.
Related topics
depression, mania, lithium, side effect, disorder, symptom
Further information
- Lithium uses and safety info
- Lithium prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lithium (detailed)
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