Lithium for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• cru...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2013

"I have been taking lithium since 1983. It has kept me stable, but I miss the highs. My creative side has disappeared, I can't concentrate, and I lose interest in things. I have been told I must take lithium for the rest of my life."

• Ret...
• February 22, 2017

"I have been taking lithium, 1000mg a day, for the past 39 and a half years. I always drink a lot of water daily, and urinate a lot, of course. I have experienced tremors when water intake is low. I initially had hand tremors and some thinning hair. I have been taking 2000mg of fish oil for the past 15 years and have recently started Epilim to fine-tune my short manic episodes. Lithium has been the savior of my life many years ago after 2 manic episodes in one year. I take blood tests yearly or every 2 years (if I forget) to determine the effect/normality of the internal organs in relation to lithium. Resisting gambling, drugs (smoking), and limiting alcohol has given me a lovely wife and has allowed me to see my now 2 adult sons grow up."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 6, 2016

"I've been on lithium for about 26 years. Currently, I'm on 1,200 mg, putting my lithium level at 1.0. It dramatically improved my sleep, which without lithium is a major problem. It has made me more pleasant to be around, close to stopping my angry, irritable ways and keeps me from destroying relationships. No weight gain, mild tremor, and dry mouth. This medication, in combination with a lower dose of Prozac, has saved my life and given me a quality life. Outstanding medication and very inexpensive!"

• Ava...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2018

"Lithium has been very helpful, and it has really helped the depression side of bipolar II. No more suicidal thoughts (which no other medicine has this benefit!), and quality of life has gone up. It has stabilized my mood and the hypo-mania with severe depression (psychotic features). I have been on lithium for about 5 months, and the benefits started to show after 3 months of being on it. If you are starting this, be patient, results are not immediate."

• Tam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 27, 2019

"I have been taking lithium for 11 months for bipolar depression. I do not want to interact with other people, and I feel like I'm dead. I have gained like 20 to 25 lbs. All I want to do is eat, and then I'm so depressed from gaining so much weight. I'm talking to the psychiatrist this week, I'm going to try to get on a different medication. All I want to do is sleep and not get dressed."

• EMV...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2017

"I have been on lithium for about 1.5 months, along with lamotrigine. As soon as one week, I could tell a difference in myself. I was finally starting to feel like my 'normal' self. At the time of starting these medications, I was easily agitated and would get angry at everyone over simple things. I found I was grinding my teeth a lot, trying to cope with my feelings. I was also becoming reclusive, since everything bothered me, I tried to avoid people and things that bothered me, so I would 'hide' in my bedroom, and then the depression set in. So far, these two medications have helped wonderfully and have changed my life!"

• KCa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 1, 2018

"I started taking lithium when I was about 24 years old. It did help my mania and depression. I decided about a year later that I didn't need it anymore, so I stopped taking it. I went manic almost immediately and ended up in the hospital for 3 months. I have now been on lithium for over 40 years, and no mania or depression has come back, although I really enjoyed the mania part. Getting the levels right is really important, and it takes time. I've read some other comments on here where people are saying they've tried it for a few months and quit.... lithium takes about a year to feel like normal, at least it did for me."

• Joh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2016

"I've had a severe manic episode and was put on antipsychotics, which helped calm me down, but I was still a bit manic. When put on lithium, I felt a lot better because the mania ceased. The difference between antipsychotics and lithium for me was like if antipsychotics stepped on the brake and lithium lifted the gas pedal. The only, but still significant, side effect I've had is less short-term memory. Lithium stabilizes my mood, reduces anxiety and stress (less diarrhea, less neck pain, more relaxed), and improves my sleep not just because the mania stopped but also because of my overall well-being. I'm very satisfied with lithium as a mood stabilizer."

• Kao...
• December 15, 2016

"For the first time in my life, the noise of my very loud voice in my head that has no filter is gone! The lithium has given me peace. Eight months in, and I am starting to miss my grandiose ideas, but not enough to stop the medication. I will now be on this forever. The peace and quiet in my mind allow me to regulate better and not get so angry."

• Ser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2019

"Lithium is nice, but it does have a little price to pay. Diagnosed with bipolar II 2 months ago, figured that I had bipolar literally since my first memories, and started taking lithium (600 mg in the day and 600 mg at night). Absolutely works like a charm, and now I picked up my social relations and am able to work full ahead for my college applications. However, it does make me thirsty (I mean, water is healthy, so it's not bad) and numbs my emotions. I don't feel any happiness or sadness, nor am I capable of love. My personality hasn't changed, however, and I still appear to be the same in front of others, only calmer. That inner peace is invaluable, although you may need to think twice if you have a significant other."

• Dem...
• December 28, 2016

"I've been on lithium for two months now, and honestly, it's given me my life back. I was treatment resistant for years until Abilify came out. Unfortunately, that stopped working a few months ago, and in a fit of desperation, my doctor decided to add lithium. I was highly resistant for many reasons, but I'm so glad I decided to try it. It took a few weeks to start feeling better, plus an increased dosage to 900 mg, but I honestly feel alive now. I'm better than I've been in years. In fact, we've started titrating me off the Abilify, which has had disastrous consequences in the past. I'm quite optimistic about my future now. The only side effect I've had is the tremors. Fingers crossed the nastier side effects stay away, am I right?"

• Kyl...
• November 14, 2015

"I'm a 21-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, ultra-rapid cycling. Before I started on this salt, I was truly at the mercy of my moods. My highs ranged from acting highly inappropriate in public places to my highly suicidal lows, for which I've been hospitalized. My psychiatrist quickly put me on the 'Gold Standard' for bipolar treatment. I titrated up. My first dose was 300 mg, then 600 mg, and now, 900 mg. My dosage at 900 makes my emotional roller coaster a smooth and highly manageable kiddie ride. The side effects I've experienced are an increase in appetite and weight, a small amount of hair loss, and a bit of fatigue. Give lithium a shot - it has potential, but remember, it is not for everyone."

• BP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2015

"I have been diagnosed since 15, and I am 35 now. I went through copious medicines, being the medicinal guinea pig made me not want to deal with the mental health problems I faced. Years unmedicated, and the destruction got to me. Two years ago, I slipped into depression, I tried going back on meds. All made me sick, flat, dizzy, or angry. The last doctor said lithium. At first, I was scared, I heard a lot of bad things. Okay, life was so bad, suicidal ideations were running me, so I decided to try it at 300 mg 3x a day. I started Tuesday, it's only Friday, and my thoughts are clear, and I feel the best I have felt in years. Any other medicine takes weeks to work. This is amazing! It won't work for everyone, but for those of us it does, it is literally a lifesaver."

• Cmb...
• April 11, 2017

"Lithium has been a lifesaver. I have been diagnosed with everything under the sun: bipolar type 1 severe, ADHD, PTSD, and panic disorder. I have tried Lamictal, Latuda, risperidone, trazodone, Seroquel, Vyvanse, Adderall, Concerta, and Klonopin. I am now only down to this one drug twice a day. Only shortcoming is extreme thirst. But I've been happy and normal for the first time now for 2 months! Yay, wish I was on it sooner."

• Cea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2013

"I have found lithium works awesome for my depression/bipolar, however, the side effects are causing a problem. After a couple of weeks, the nausea has not gone away. I am losing my instant memory and found myself confused when doing or talking about a topic, I can't remember what I just said or heard."

• And...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2019

"Lithium worked when all others failed. However, when I first started, I felt a numbness in my thinking. I am an artist, and it took away my creativity for about a month, but then life went back to normal. I would recommend this as a first drug, though doctors may disagree."

• lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2014

Lithium "Many years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar II. Lithium was my doctor's first choice. I wasn't even sure how effective it was. The side effects were awful. I could not work, and I lost down to 95 pounds. I was so weak that I had difficulty climbing stairs. I shook so badly that I could not sign my own name. Then my doctor started to add all sorts of medicines to counteract the side effects. I became hypothyroid and had to take medicines for that, and tremor had to take medicines for that (which didn't work well). The doctor decreased the dose (which didn't help much). I was on leave from work for 12 weeks. Finally, I stopped the lithium. It took a while for my doctor to believe my problems with this medicine because they were not typical. Those 12 weeks were the worst."

• Ldy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2018

Lithium "I had high hopes for this drug, as I had heard so many great things about it, especially for people who are seriously in the throes of major depression and/or have and are experiencing a lot in their lives on a regular basis. However, sadly, it really didn't do much for me. I just felt flat, not happy, not sad, but still sad, if that makes any sense, and somewhat neutral. Now, I thought that I would prefer to be neutral, but it's like I didn't care, didn't feel, everything was whatever. On top of that, it made me go to the bathroom a lot. I already drink about 6-8 bottles per day and had to go up to 8-10. My system just couldn't handle this drug, and like I said, no real relief. I also want to add that this was my second time trying this drug and likely my last. Additionally, the first time I was prescribed 600 mg, the second time 1200 mg. Didn't matter either way, it just makes me not care, and that's already part of my problem."

• Sar...
• September 14, 2017

"I've been on lithium for a month and a half, and the only side effect I have is headaches. It is easily managed by keeping up on my water intake. This medicine has been great for my bipolar II disorder. I haven't felt this calm in a very long time. My anxiety is at an all-time low as well. My moods aren't all over the place either. I'm so thankful I gave this medicine a chance. It has changed my life in the best way."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2018

"I was first prescribed lithium years ago and stopped taking it within the first few months because of stomach pains, nausea, and thirst. I chose to go unmedicated for years (not the best choice for me or my family). Years later, I decided to give lithium another try after finding that I couldn’t take Lamictal due to side effects, and the other drug options seemed to have too many side effects. I’m so glad I went back on lithium. I gave it some time and, after a few weeks, the stomach pains and nausea disappeared, as did the thirst. It works very well to even out my moods and prevent future episodes. Additionally, I get blood tests every 3 months to ensure my body is not being harmed by the drug. Also, if you’re concerned about cost, this drug is very reasonably priced since it cannot be patented."

• Jam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2019

"I have bipolar I and I have been taking lithium for approximately 11 months now. I’m currently taking 1200 mg of lithium (600 mg in the morning and 600 mg at night) along with 50 mg of quetiapine at night. I’ll start with the good news first: My brain is calm. No more racing thoughts, no more impulsive spending, no more erratic behavior, no more feelings of torturous agitation, and last but by no means least, I no longer have any desire to use illicit drugs or drink alcohol. Now for the bad news: It takes time for this drug to take its full effect. In my case, I had to micro-dose my way up from 300 mg to 1200 mg by going up 150 mg every 5 days because the side effects would have been too unbearable if I didn’t. All in all, it took close to 6 months until I was fully stable and side effect free."

• Sco...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 9, 2019

"Bipolar/ADHD. I take lithium, 300 mg in the morning, 900 mg at night, Epival (valproic acid) to stabilize the bipolar. It's amazing! If I have a headache, a dab of salt on the tongue, it's gone! No mood swings, no numbness, no memory loss, I got my life back. There's a 1-hour window to take bipolar pills, if forgotten, I'll get moody or excited. Once taken, I'm back to calm and happy. For ADHD, I use Concerta. It's amazing! I'm learning to live with ADHD (my brain needs glasses for children, my brain needs glasses again for adults). I learned about the vagus nerve, a nerve directly linked from the stomach to the brain/vice versa. Self-help books can heal you from head to toe. In conclusion, I adore lithium. Yes, I gained some weight, began a thyroid gland problem, but will be off Synthroid, some doctors give it for prevention. No other issues with lithium, nor Epival, nor Concerta. Perfect combination, thanks to my psychiatrist!"

• bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2014

"I had been on lamotrigine for nearly 10 years, and I noticed that slowly over time it was losing its effectiveness. My episodes had become more and more extreme, to the point of one of my depressive episodes becoming psychotic in nature. Then I was hospitalized and put on lithium. After a month on the medication and two weeks stable, my initial fears of lithium have faded. The medication has given me some unwanted side effects, such as vision changes, hand tremors, and muscle twitching, but for the mental stability this medicine has given me, it's all worth it. My psychotic thoughts and depressive episode have mostly ended, and the blood tests are a pain, but I highly recommend anyone with bipolar, especially bipolar I, to be open-minded."

• Ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2018

"Honestly, this is the most effective drug by far! I am so calm, and my thinking is so much more organized. All the crybabies whining about the blood tests are ridiculous. This medicine is awesome. Don't give up on the drug, you have to give it time. The only downfall is getting to a serum level that works for you. I'm on 1200 mg, 0.7, and that seems to be working just fine. Keep your head up and give it at least 3 months."

• Mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 8, 2019

"I've been on lithium for 16 years to treat my bipolar depression. I take 1200 mg per day (600 mg in the morning, 600 mg at night). My bipolar episodes are completely cured. I haven't had a manic episode since on the drug. HOWEVER, the drug completely numbs me out, and I don't experience any happy or sad feelings. In the last year, I've been at two funerals and a wedding, and I didn't once have tears of sadness or of joy."