I know all of you will highly not recomend this but i am not in a position to pay for checkups and lab tests and therapists visits. I was diagnoses with bipoler II disorder earlier in life and was recommended lithium meds. However unable to take them any more without routine checkups i was wondering if self monitoring my lithium, creatine, and blood levels was possible... And if so wat should i specifically be aware of to look for. I only have minimum medical knowledge as a nurse and i wish too know the possibility of me self monitoring myself.
Self monitoring lithium levels?
- Asked
- 13 Apr 2016 by rin_matoki
- Updated
- 24 Apr 2016
- Topics
- depression, mania, bipolar disorder, lithium, disorder, diagnosis
Responses (2)
Hi, rin! Unfortunately, all of the tests are required blood tests and there are no OTC or self remedies. These levels are too fragile not to be monitored and you could easily slip into dangerous situations. Do you not have Medicare, Disability, or other insurance? Have you looked into low cost mental health clinics which charge minimal fees, many with sliding scale payment plans?
I was in the same quandary as you until I found my current (brilliant) psychiatrist at such a clinic. Because I'm currently disabled I couldn't afford much medical care but this clinic even provides free samples of my medications so I know where you're coming from.
Feel free to post any questions you may have and I wish you the very best. Wildcat
I use to take lithium and it made me feel better than I ever did with any of my other bipolar or depression medicines. It took them over 20 years to find the right medicine. You have to check your levels all the time so you don't get any kind of any organ infection. I took lithium for over 2 years and had to stop it after the doctor took the lithium levels and found out that I had an liver infection. So he stopped it from me. I was so upset. But now I'm taking something else and seems to be working. It's important to take your lithium levels or you could get an infection. You might be able to talk to the doctor about your money situation and maybe he could help you with that.

Further Information
- Lithium Information for Consumers
- Lithium Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Lithium (detailed)
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