& doing very well. I'm looking to hear about others' experiences with tapering off lithium, of course hoping to hear success stories & tips! :) I've been guided by the world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Liz Miller who has bipolar and tapered off lithium herself almost 15 years ago, to conduct a very slow taper, going down 50-100 mg every 2-4 weeks depending on how I respond. I'd love to hear from anyone about this topic! Thanks for reading
I am tapering off lithium under the guidance of my psychiatrist. I'm currently at 450 mg/day and?
Question posted by Muskingum on 20 Nov 2012
Last updated on 22 November 2012
Answers
smileyhappy
21 Nov 2012
Hi Muskingum,
I was on Lithium along with Manerix for Major depression. My Psychiatrist and I tried to lower it from 900 but when I reached 400 I was starting to feel depressedf. So he put me back to 600. Now a year later we are trying to lower my Manerix from 600 to 450, so far so good. I see him in April for my next reducing of Manerix. Good luck. I don't mind being on Lithium it really works well for me.
Take care,
Muskingum
21 Nov 2012
Good luck smileyhappy with lowering the Manerix come spring! I hope it goes really well! At 450 mg of lithium I am feeling the best I have since I was diagnosed with bipolar in 2007 - I can't express how great it is to feel better in my very core, but not manic or hypomanic, thank God.
Lithium was a lifesaver for me and I'll always be grateful to it - I just want the chance at a med-free life and if I can't do it, I'll follow the advance directive I've created and take the drug/s again - Dr. Liz Miller, a woman with bipolar one who has been med-free for over a decade and has done so well that whole time, has inspired me enormously. She states that many people can live stable, happy (mostly) lives off lithium. Given that she is a renowned neurosurgeon who has walked the walk personally, well, what a role model. Of course I am not her, and I'm taking a chance no matter how I "spin" my desire, but Dr. Miller gives me hope.
Her solid advice (take at least 6 months to taper and do various lifestyle measures she outlines on her blog and book) reassures me that it's worth a shot... thanks again for writing. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving. :)))
smileyhappy
23 Nov 2012
Hi there,
Glad you feel great right now! Be careful as you know we are not all alike in reducing and getting off meds. I have been off meds before and nothing happens for years then I relapse into deeper depresions. So for me Lithium is fine if it will give me a normal life with my family and friends! I wish you the best of luck in reducing your meds! I said a prayer for you!
Smileyhappy : )
Inactive
21 Nov 2012
Hello Muskingum. I was on Lithium for several years. that was over close to 20years ago. I was on 600mg. A taper was done, and I can say it went fairly smoothly for me. Aside from tremors, (hands) that was a major withdrawl/side effect and these tremors stayed with me for some time. Close to at least a month, if not longer. I also develpoed a thirst (water). Costantly drinking plenty odff it. I hope and imagine you'll be fine. Best of wishes to you, pledge
Muskingum
21 Nov 2012
Thank you so much pledge for writing! I'm so glad to hear that your taper worked out well for you... hurrah! It's always great to hear success stories like this. Take care and have a great day!!!
Inactive
21 Nov 2012
Thank you Muskingum and appreciated. I apologize for my typos. I am a insomniac and simply put lack of sleep creates typos. Have a great Thanksgiving if you are celebrating.
Related topics
depression, mania, bipolar disorder, lithium, tapering
Further information
- Lithium uses and safety info
- Lithium prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lithium (detailed)
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