I stopped taking Lithium ER 300mg abruptly because I was not able to get my medication. I take it for depression. I haven’t had it for 12 days. I feel like I may be beginning a relapse. Will restarting it prevent a full relapse, or do I have to wait weeks until it starts to work?
Restarting lithium after 12 days without it?
Question posted by bananasmith on 11 Sep 2021
Last updated on 11 September 2021 by mmmousemaid
Answers
mmmousemaid
11 Sep 2021
In my experience, it takes about 30 days after stopping to start slight hypomania and then to relapse into accelerated hypomania, i.e. insomnia, excitement, nervousness. At that point I restart the lithium but gradually as I have an idiosyncratic chest or stomach and bad headache starting again. It may be a good idea to start at a slower dose, but that may be due to how long you have taken it. It does not take long to feel ell again (at least in my case) if you do it right.
Related topics
depression, lithium, medication, relapse
Further information
- Lithium uses and safety info
- Lithium prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lithium (detailed)
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