Lithium User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Fin...
• April 24, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "After numerous hospitalizations and medications, I was prescribed lithium. I remember it so clearly while I was in the hospital. After taking it, my brain literally felt like it was in a car accident. I asked my doctor, 'Does this mean it's working?' My brain was literally sore. He laughed nicely and said yes. I could actually hear and process what people were saying without interrupting them. My mind was calm, and my brain was processing everything. I do not know why the medical community does not prescribe lithium more. I started out on 900 milligrams, and now I only need 300 milligrams a day along with 150 of Wellbutrin for weight stabilization and depression. It not only works for bipolar, I also have borderline personality disorder issues like self-harm, drugs, alcohol, etc. Scientists even say we all need low doses of lithium, research it for yourself, and God bless to all who need to be cured."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I have struggled with bipolar depression for a very long time, almost 6 years. I was in denial for quite a long time until I started hearing things and thinking that things I heard or read were about me. After about four years on and off, the issue I had was that I didn't trust medication because I felt there was no such thing as bipolar disorder. Then, I met a great girl, got married, and she helped me take Lithium consistently. Soon after, I had a miraculous transformation with it. I could think clearly, talk straight, listen, and take care of myself. Everything improved dramatically. I wasn't paranoid anymore. Also, the feelings of death and depression went away, and I could see past myself. Lithium has changed my entire life."

• Div...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2016

For Depression "I have to say, Lithium has changed my life for the good. I started taking this med just 5 days ago, and it's like I got my life back. I have paranoid schizophrenia, major depression, and borderline personality disorder. The past 8 years were literally like hell on earth for me. I've tried so many different medications, and nothing really worked for me. The first time I took my Lithium, I felt more in tune with what's going on. Now I'm on day 5, and my racing thoughts are pretty much gone. My depression is vanishing. My voices are at a minimum. My anxiety from going out in public has been getting better and better. It actually boosts my confidence. My energy level has gone way up. I'm generally happier and more at peace."

• NHe...
• March 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "My diagnosis is Bipolar I with PTSD. I have a tendency toward mixed episodes and psychotic features. I found relief with lithium when nothing else worked. Other drugs like Lamictal gave me horrible cognitive side effects. I couldn't finish sentences or remember things that happened minutes ago. That was not the case with Lithium. I took Lithium for the first time during inpatient for a severe mixed episode, and the difference was like night and day. It was like taking a painkiller when in severe pain. Within thirty minutes, I felt what I can only describe as RELIEF. I've never had such a rapid and drastic reduction in symptoms. There is a reason Lithium is considered the 'gold standard' in treating bipolar disorder. Everyone is different, and some experience bad side effects with little relief on this medication, however, I would recommend at least trying it if your doctor prescribes it. The only side effect I experience is increased thirst - a small price to pay for getting my life back."

• BiP...
• December 10, 2018

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I started on 150mg then switched to ER. I'm at 600mg heading for 900mg now, and I have to say, you HAVE to give this drug time. I was anal retentive and a perfectionist with a lot of anxiety and depression. It was also easy to manipulate me because I had such low self-esteem at the time. I'd constantly find myself befriending those who had just as low self-esteem and those who liked to undermine me. Since I started, I began to grow a backbone, and it scared a lot of the people who had this control on me. I've thankfully removed these toxic people from my life and have gradually brought in people who want the best for me. It really is a good mood stabilizer. What I do feel bad about today is that the friendships I lost because I wasn't on this drug previously to prevent me from doing something stupid."

• tha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 21, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 at 18 years old. From then until I was 22, my life was bad. I couldn't remember ever being happy if I wasn't manic. I had an emptiness that consumed me and left me wanting to end it all. I had tried every medicine - with one doctor recommending shock therapy - until Lithium. Lithium gave me my old self back, to the point where I feel no trace of my disorder. The cons: My stomach gets queasy after I take it, so I take it at night. My thyroid has been negatively affected, so I now have to take Synthroid. The pros: I am happy again, I am functional again, and I no longer feel like a burden. Definitely try it, especially if you've tried everything like I have. Feel better :)"

• Sam...
• January 7, 2016

For Depression "Tried a lot of SSRIs before a doctor prescribed a medium dose of lithium. Can't even describe how much better I feel. I used to feel so stuck by my depression and am now able to do so much more with my life. My sex drive dropped off a little but I'm not otherwise feeling flat from it. Didn't have any of the weight gain or shaking side effects. Changed my life."

• Sco...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 23, 2020

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I've been medicated for over 20 years now. Lithium carbonate ER is the only medication that stops my suicidal ideation and obsessive thoughts. Yes, I deal with side effects. I just have to be careful with my dosage. I've almost been killed by other meds for mania/mood balance. This is more predictable for me. It does cause me to crave sweets and salty foods. Off it, I don't have that issue. Dehydration is a problem. I have so many other chronic illnesses that it's difficult to pinpoint issues to just this medication. It has kept me from suicide many times now. I have tried many times since my suicidality surfaced when I was 6 years old. Forty years of obsessive suicidal thoughts, and this med has helped the most."

• boy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2019

For Depression "Over the years I've been on many antidepressants. Sadly, none worked until I started lithium. I have far fewer terrible days and fewer suicidal thoughts. It's not perfect. I get a dry mouth, and for the first day or two, I constantly needed to pee. That's all stopped now, and for me, it's truly a lifesaver."

• Xav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar type I 9 years ago and had 3 acute mania episodes during these 9 years. Most of the time, I was very depressed with suicidal thoughts. Anger bursts and high irritability (especially with light and noise). I tried aripiprazole, pregabalin, valproic acid, clopixol, quetiapine, and even CBD, all of them were more awful than each other (except CBD, which is a bit calming but not so efficient after a few days, very expensive, and nothing compared to lithium). Lithium was a revelation and calmed my mind immediately without making me feel like a zombie. I'm a more calm, relaxed person with far less anxiety while being even more focused. Fortunately, I have even stopped cutting the skin under my feet. For me, lithium has been a miraculous drug at 600mg extended release of carbonate. Lithium is a powerful element, it might not suit you but you should discuss this option with your doctor if you feel no other drug works for you."

• mb1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 11, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Lithium is the one med I was absolutely terrified to take, but after failing on nearly every mood stabilizer, I was pretty much forced to give it a shot. I have borderline personality disorder as well as Bipolar II, so medications for me can be very complicated to get right. I am happy to say that I've had virtually no side effects on Lithium, and the results have been LIFE-CHANGING. This is the only med that has ever reduced my self-harm thoughts down to almost nothing, and my moods from both BPD and bipolar are greatly stabilized. It has also been a great help in controlling some of my impulsive behavior like shopping and drinking. The ONLY negative is that I have had some issues with my hypothyroidism since taking it, but we were able to get my meds adjusted and resolve that. Don't let Lithium scare you, if nothing else has worked, it can literally save your life."

• Hol...
• June 14, 2019

For Depression "I've been on 400 mg lithium carbonate for nearly a year. Before that, I was getting episodes of suicidal depression every 3 or 4 months, despite being on antidepressants. Since I went on lithium, I haven't had anything but slight low mood. I get a hand tremor at times, mild muscle pain, and heartburn, but it's a lot preferable to being in that dark pit of despair."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I am 16 years old. I have been to over 20 in and outpatient mental health hospitals, including residential. I had severe depression, severe anxiety, and the last year before I was diagnosed, extreme anger. I was suicidal, homicidal, I self-harmed, I had an eating disorder, I dealt with death, abuse, bullying, everything. I attempted suicide four times. I barely made it each time. I had all the symptoms: low self-esteem, self-harm, eating disorders, isolation, mania, the suicidal/homicidal thoughts. I was trying to use drugs, I skipped school, I tried to harm people, I had insomnia. I finally, after two years, found this miracle little pill."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2020

For Depression "I have been on lithium at a dose of 2 x 600 mg daily for 4 months. Combined with Wellbutrin 300 mg and Lyrica 2 x 75 mg. Aside from a few light side effects (mostly a fine tremor and a bit scatterbrained) the first 3 weeks, it started working after about 2 weeks. Now I have no side effects, and my mood is better and totally stable. I haven’t felt this good since about 4 years ago, and I am so thankful. My depression is finally gone, I have so much energy, and getting out of bed isn’t a problem anymore. Finally, my suicidal thoughts are completely gone. I wish that I would have started this medication years ago (like my doctor advised). But I will definitely continue taking lithium, I’ve been advised to take it for at least 2-3 years. That’s fine with me!"

• BAN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2018

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I was originally diagnosed with PMDD, but my doctor suggested I might actually have Bipolar Disorder Type 2 since I get seasonal depression. Sometimes I actually enjoyed my hypomania, but I had crippling anxiety and suicidal ideation that were difficult to live with. I started with 600mg and hated the side effects of lithium at first. The first two months were rough - I couldn't sleep because I had to urinate so often. I wanted to stop but didn't. My doc changed my dosage to 450mg ER and I love it. I am not the high-strung perfectionist I used to be. I feel peaceful and stable. It's actually kind of weird, but I would never want to go back. GIVE IT TIME, ADJUST DOSAGE! :)"

• Jen...
• October 27, 2016

For Depression "I have attempted suicide three times in my life. The first two times were before I knew of Lithium, and the third was when I took a break from Lithium, foolishly thinking I had gotten better. Lithium, at 900mg, almost completely eliminates the suicidal ideation. Symptoms of depression are still present, however, much better. Side effects I have had are weight gain (5 lbs?), frequent urination/thirst, thinning of my hair, and sometimes I feel tired. I'll take these side effects any day over how I used to feel. This medicine has kept me alive. If you have recurring suicidal ideation, I would highly recommend."

• Pet...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium brought me out of my original psychosis. I did well on it. Because it helped to keep my illness in remission, so to speak, I was able to get my BA in psychology and go to graduate school. Seven years after I first took lithium I developed hypothyroidism, which was caused by the lithium. Luckily it can be easily controlled with synthroid. Twenty-three years later I was diagnosed as having kidney disease, stage 2. This was a direct side effect of lithium. I no longer take it. The damage to my thyroid and kidneys is irreversible. Luckily I haven't had to go on dialysis. Lithium is a good medication. However, its side effects can do a lot of harm to the body."

• Anonymous
• December 25, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "In 1993, I went into a clinically depressed mode for one year. I would not eat. I just slept and smoked cigarettes. I lost 50 lbs. Finally, I went to a shrink, and he worked with me until the medication Tegretol brought me out of the depressed state, and I went manic. The doctor, upon knowing this manic state, prescribed 900mg of lithium per day with the 400mg of Tegretol, and I have been normal for 15 years. I have to take these medicines forever. If I stop because I feel good, watch out. I either go manic or down in the dumps again, and I don't wish that on my worst enemy."

• tam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 24, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "This drug has saved two of my very good friends from what I really believe would have been both of their deaths. The 1st friend was an emotional wreck, and the 2nd friend was a suicidal cutter, and BOTH have gotten their lives back and are on the right path with this medication. Both did gain some weight and got some acne, but when you look at the alternative, I think they are both beyond grateful for it all! As am I, so I think if someone you know is like this, please get them to a doctor who knows about bipolar disorder, and get them onto this medication, it really truly DOES WORK for a lot of folks suffering through their life, when there is NO NEED to! Help them! WE ALL DESERVE TO LIVE A SOMEWHAT 'NORMAL' LIFE!"

• Gin...
• May 26, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Hell for many years now. 2 months ago I was once again fetal positioned in a laundry basket rocking back and forth in the attic, and I finally said enough is enough...I am going to get help. I am a rapid cycler - about every 10 days my episodes would begin again. I had about 5 good days per month. I never wanted to be 'zombified' by medicine, so I reluctantly and VERY defensively went to the doctor and asked for help. They gave me Lithium, and I can't believe the change! I finally feel free for the first time in my life. I am on a lower dose than some. I still have some symptoms, but feeling them is allowing me to work through them, and also NOT lose my creativity. The only side effect is that I walk into things - annoying."

• 44y...
• March 7, 2016

For Cyclothymic Disorder "Ok, we all know that people respond differently to meds. BUT this is my story. I was on the verge of losing my husband of 24 years. Feeling I had hit rock bottom, I decided to see one more doctor. I had taken every antidepressant under the sun in the last 20 years for 'anxiety and depression,' and I had high hopes every single time... nothing was working, and I was getting worse. My doctor started me on lithium 300mg twice daily. I can honestly say I felt a huge difference after the first 24 hours. My mind was quiet, and I felt calm. No racing thoughts, no panic attacks, no overthinking anything... just peace. I have been on it for 2.5 weeks now, and I finally feel normal again. I am more considerate and loving to my family ❤️"

• Lyo...
• February 6, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "This was the best decision of my entire life battling with relationship and career-ending debilitating bipolar disorder. Cycled through cocktails of meds and finally just lithium alone. I gained visible stability, and it made me feel happy and safe. Deep pain and exuberant joy became mild hurt and happy feelings. I finally felt human again. I like myself. No longer the mood-swinging, angry, and hurt slave to this disorder, but a liberated, stable, warm, and calm man. My anxiety went away. My life started to improve alongside my career and relationships, and my family and close friends noticed and complimented. Doc took blood tests every dose increase, gave me the option to lower or stop at any time, and found my ideal dose to be 1,200 mg (everyone’s different), no one size fits all. Side effects for me are weight gain. I weight lift every day for 45 min. Works like a charm. Who said you can’t be physically fit and take lithium."

• Xcg...
• May 4, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "After being misdiagnosed and mistreated for 20 years, I finally understood that I am bipolar type 2. I noticed a huge difference on lithium (I don't have any other meds whatsoever now) the first day I took it as I immediately leveled out. The antidepressant effect took slightly longer to kick in but this medication has changed my life. I don't feel cut off like I did on SSRI meds and I don't have any side effects at all. All my blood work has been perfect and I am really pleased beyond any expectations with the effect and the total lack of side effects. I don't feel like I am on a medication at all - it feels like I have suddenly become normal."

• bja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I have suffered with bipolar disorder as long as I can remember, it's been one manic episode after another. I'm 31 now and have been on lithium for 3 and a half weeks. For the last 3 days, I have felt the best I ever have. I feel stable and finally am free of the need to self-medicate. I know it's only early days and have had some side effects such as extreme thirst, minor weight gain, and hate the blood tests, but this is a small price to pay for finally feeling well. Hope other people with this illness have the same success as I'm getting. All the best."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Started yesterday. IR 300mg 3x daily. Within thirty minutes, I'm laughing with joy, unbelievable! Cured. Years of Zyprexa, Abilify, Celexa, Depakote, Ativan, etc. Wow. I can finally admit it. I have bipolar disorder. Nothing else. Not anxiety. Calm. Quiet and calm head. No depression or mania. I want to feel and look my best all the time. And it only took a naturally occurring element, abundant in our universe, to flip the switch. Although there is no cure. Just how I feel."