Lithium and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Pau...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 13, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on lithium for fifteen years, and I can honestly say it didn't help all that much, but I stayed on it because it's supposed to be the 'Gold Standard' treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Now that I'm being weaned off from it, I can see that it was actually making me worse. I was on 1200 mg, and I'm down to 600 mg and feeling much better. Gone is my depression, my anxiety, my diarrhea, my lack of concentration, etc. etc. etc. I wish I had known this years ago. I am going off from it now as my kidneys will fail if I stay on it much longer. My previous Psych. Doc. would not use it as he saw way too many kidney failures at about the 15th-20th years while he was a resident. Please know that this drug is not without dire consequences. Eventually, in time, your kidneys will fail. If you don't believe it, see a kidney specialist. Don't let your doctor pooh-pooh this statistic. Please make an informed decision and do what is right for you."

• Kez...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 31, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "An update from my last review. I was on 600mg for 2 years and it did nothing for my depression, and now my doc put me on 800mg, and oh my, what a difference it's been! I'm more positive, happier, less anxious, and I have the most positive and lovely images in my mind instead of bad memories. Things are really looking up."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I've tried almost all of the Bipolar Meds available out there - Geodon, Depakote, Lamictal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, etc. All of these made me stupid and/or fat and were not very effective for my depression. This past year I sunk to a new low of serious depression - I told my PDoc that I need something different because I was a lifeless, delusional, an anxious zombie and was suicidal. His secretary said she would forward the message to him - 3 times. No reply from him at all - I had to find a new doctor and he put me on 300mg Lithium (went up to 600mg 2 weeks later) - about 1 month into my new treatment, it feels like a switch was flipped. This is the best medicine I've ever had and I hope it continues - not many options left for me."

• DCa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Lithium for 5 years. For the first 4 years, I had a positive outcome. But for the past year, I've experienced rapid cycling and have been hospitalized twice. I'm now taking a combination of 1500mg of Lithium, 20mg of Prozac, and 10mg of Saphris. I'm hoping the depression lifts and my moods will stabilize. Feeling very overwhelmed."

• Cha...
• March 12, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Started treatment on lithium in the midst of a major depressive episode. Started on 400 mg and gradually titrated up to 1000 mg. In short, I love this med. I've had very few side effects; I've gained weight, but I think this is mainly due to quetiapine, which I take alongside lithium. I still experience major shifts in mood, but lithium has made me far less suicidal, less inclined to self-harm, and has majorly improved my focus, concentration span, verbal dexterity, and, in part, manic spells. I am now in what would normally be a manic phase in my cycle, and, whilst I still feel a little jittery and excitable, it's far better than before. Only minor setback is my thyroid function is a little high, but I'm monitoring this with doc. Recommended."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "My whole life I have struggled with bipolar disorder, having unstable moods and severe bipolar depression. I have been on tons of different medications for it. All of them have crazy side effects, and none seemed to work. A month ago, I got prescribed lithium, and it seems to be working super well. I don't have as many up-and-down moods, and I notice my racing thoughts have gone away for the most part. Things that used to bother me barely bother me anymore, and I kind of just go with the flow of things now. The only downside of this medication is it makes me feel a little irritated at times and doesn't help with my anxiety as I was hoping. But as for bipolar disorder, I highly recommend this medication."

• gc2...
• September 22, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium brought me out of a year-long rapid-cycling episode that almost destroyed my marriage, my work, and my life. I think it's an excellent 'first aid' medicine for bipolar disorder. After about 3 months of feeling amazing relief, I felt emotionally flat-lined, so I worked with my doctor and he reduced my lithium dose to 600 mg and added 150 mg of Lamictal, 1.5 mg of clonazepam to soothe anxiety, and finally 20 mg of Adderall to combat persistent mild depression. Work with your doctor to find your perfect combination! I've been on this particular mix for about 2 years. It's great, but I will always keep the lithium in. It's the core of what works for me."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2020

For Depression "Been on lithium for about 4-5 months for depression. I feel like a zombie, as my emotions are completely flat, and I shuffle when I walk. I have lost all my muscle strength and feel exhausted all the time. I had high hopes for this medication as I have failed on all of the SSRIs and atypical mood stabilizers I've been prescribed. The psychiatrist thinks I have developed a condition known as tardive dysphoria. This condition develops as a result of chronic treatment with antidepressants. I have been on one SSRI or another for 25 years. The symptoms of tardive dysphoria are anxiety, irritability, depression, apathy, uneasiness, restlessness, and dissatisfaction with self and life. The word tardive indicates that the dysphoria is late onset. My life has been a living nightmare since this started over 2 years ago. Therefore, I was so hopeful that lithium would give me my life back again."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2020

For Depression "Been on lithium for about 4-5 months for depression. I feel like a zombie, as my emotions are completely flat, and I shuffle when I walk. I have lost all my muscle strength and feel exhausted all the time. I had high hopes for this medication as I have failed on all of the SSRIs and atypical mood stabilizers I've been prescribed. The psychiatrist thinks I have developed a condition known as tardive dysphoria. This condition develops as a result of chronic treatment with antidepressants. I have been on one SSRI or another for 25 years. The symptoms of tardive dysphoria are anxiety, irritability, depression, apathy, uneasiness, restlessness, and dissatisfaction with self and life. The word tardive indicates that the dysphoria is late onset. My life has been a living nightmare since this started over 2 years ago. Therefore, I was so hopeful that lithium would give me my life back again."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2021

For Depression "I just started lithium on August 7th, 2021, and now it’s August 11th. Today I’m starting to feel some effect of lithium. I cannot believe it. I still have a ways to go, but I feel better than I have in the past year. I’ve been depressed for about a year now, tried medications, lots of psychotherapy, PHP, and got put in inpatient. I continued to feel depressed and have suicidal thoughts. It seemed as nothing was working. After four days of lithium, I’m starting to feel better. I cannot wait to see how much more it helps in the next few months! I’m nervous about the side effects, but I’m hopeful that I will continue to get better. Lithium is a miracle drug for me. If you’re struggling, or you know someone who’s struggling, I highly recommend you bring up lithium to your doctor. I will keep you updated on my experience with lithium. Thank you!"

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2019

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar 2 disorder, OCD, and PTSD. I've been taking lamotrigine (200 mg) for about 6 months, and I just started lithium (300 mg) almost 2 months ago, and it's lifted my mood, but I am extremely anxious. It's terrifying, to be honest. Anxiety is difficult as it is, but on full blast, it's a nightmare. I'm also sort of manic. Very go-go-go! I'm gonna give it some more time, but so far, I think I may need a lower dose. I will definitely be talking to my doctor about this as soon as possible."

• Der...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium was the last choice due to having been on every medication other than it. By day three, it was starting to have a positive effect on a deep depressive cycle. By day five, I was in the ER feeling like I was going to die. I kept having severe panic and anxiety symptoms, elevated heart rate, and the worst of it all was stomach pain and nausea. In the ER, they were concerned about lithium toxicity. My levels came back extremely low, meaning that lithium just did not agree with my body. The following 10 days were the worst 10 days of my life. I could barely eat due to stomach pain and nausea. I lost over 20 pounds, even drinking water hurt my stomach. This medication forever changed my view on medication. It’s been almost 2 weeks, and I am still having anxiety symptoms, stomach discomfort, nausea, and extreme sweating at night."

• Gol...
• June 3, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "It's like being extremely hung over everyday. Clouded head, no energy, diarrhea, and dehydrated. Not fun at all. I guess I'll be manic. Tremors like you've been on a 3-day bender. Anxiety levels are high. They were right when they said it doesn't work for everyone. Hope you have a better experience than me."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2020

For Depression "Seemed to work for a week, and at 2 weeks in, then it stopped. Gradually became more depressed than I ever was, developed anxiety, and became very irritable. Got worse the higher the dose (2 increases, 200-600 mg & 600-800 mg). Nasty side effects, felt flat, not happy or sad, but still 'low.' Couldn't laugh or cry. Awful acne. Reading other reviews, I thought people were vain, but it's that bad-whole face, neck, arms, and chest to the point of people asking, what is wrong with your skin! I also had tremors, double vision, weight gain, feeling like you're not there, slow mental function, memory loss, ringing in ears, and insomnia. Still having side effects 5 days after stopping-only on it for 9 weeks!"

• tin...
• January 24, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "On lithium 800 mg, venlafaxine 300 mg, mirtazapine 30 mg and still nowhere near normal. Currently being treated for depression but have overwhelming anxiety. Am told that I have bipolar disorder. This episode of depression has been going on for 12 months. I wake up in turmoil and it goes on all day long, day in and day out."

• MsK...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 23, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I appreciate lithium. Although my thyroid level is low, a supplement helps to equalize this problem. I've been through at least 20 different medications to stabilize my bipolar diagnosis. I always wanted to be in a normal state of mind. Lithium has allowed me to be equally yoked with myself. 300 mg ER in the evening. 100 mg of Seroquel in the evening. 20 mg of Cymbalta in the morning! I'm set! If I'm feeling anxiety, I can add Buspar or Lorazepam."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2018

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I was taking regular lithium before Lithobid. We switched to Lithobid thinking the extended release would be easier on my body. I had nothing but problems after switching to Lithobid; for some reason, my body rejected this drug when lithium was always good to me. Six months later, I moved and switched pharmacies, and due to a pharmacy error, I got 300 mg of Lithobid instead of my prescribed 1500 mg. They couldn't give me more, but for some reason, were able to give me 1200 mg of lithium. After just two weeks of being on 1200 lithium and 300 Lithobid, people started telling me I seemed like myself again. And I was feeling much better. My anxiety was way down, and I wasn't having strange spikes into delirium. So I don't know why, but Lithobid was a completely useless drug for me, while lithium did its job. They should be the same thing, right? But if you're having problems on Lithobid, I guess know that it's possible for you to react to it differently than plain ol' lithium."

• Crb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have been on lithium (Priadel) 800 mg PM for 8 months. It has been absolutely amazing in keeping my mood fluctuations with my BPD in check. I used to go up and down 8-10 times a day, but since I started taking this, I haven't really had any downs or ups, just the occasional dread. But I no longer feel suicidal! It's been a complete life changer. I wish I got on it sooner!"

• Hum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2019

For Depression "Taking this med tells me a bit more about my mental illness. Being diagnosed as bipolar 2, which I absolutely don’t believe anymore. After Li, my doctor prescribed me this after a long trial with lamictal that didn’t work. I was on lamictal for 11 months, and it never really helped with depression. I have been on 300 mg ER lithium for 3 weeks, and then 450 for 5 days. Made me hypersomniac, horrible brain fog, more sensitive to thoughts, depressed, no motivation, and always tired! Anxiety and occasional panic attacks still linger. I am already tapering down to 225 mg. I don’t think this will work out. It makes me feel flat and just as or more depressed than being unmedicated. Mood stabilizers don’t work for me. At this point, I’d rather try an antipsychotic over Depabloat."

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "Please start taking this drug with your eyes wide open. Read everything you can about side effects. I felt blah and dull the first week. Then it went away. Now I am at week 4 and am a mix of blah and anxious! I am getting off this stuff! I am glad it works well for so many people. I liked me better with lamotrigine."

• HWa...
• October 31, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I am on 1000 mg a day of lithium along with quetiapine and lamotrigine. This keeps the excitement at bay, but I am prone to rapid cycling, which is stressing. However, it keeps the mania at bay, but the downside is bad. Lithium has made a noticeable difference."

• Bip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "This drug has been a life changer. I have been on probably over 20 different meds to try to battle my bipolar depression, and nothing has touched it. After three weeks on lithium, I feel I almost forgot that I was depressed. I feel like my old self again. I do seem to be a little sensitive to it. It has made me feel a little jittery and shaky at times. But I’m sure this is my body getting used to the drug. Even if it wasn’t, I would still take it for the benefits it’s been giving me. And I didn’t have to wait three weeks to see if it would help, it helped right off the bat. I wish I would’ve tried this drug 15 years ago. If you’re on the fence about taking this and are battling serious depression, do not hesitate! This drug has literally saved my life."

• Gvi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Since starting lithium and Remeron (an antidepressant that helps with insomnia), I have not experienced any depressive episodes or dysphoric hypomania. I was rapid cycling with mixed states when I sought medication. Lithium has definitely leveled me out. I still feel agitated or have heightened anxiety sometimes, but nothing like the hypomania I was feeling before. And no despair and depression. I get shaky hands if I don't drink enough water or if I stay in the sun too much. But it's really not bad. I have gained weight, about 20 pounds, but I think the benefits are worth it. I'm amazed that something so simple has helped me so much."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Made me more depressed and anxious. Tried to switch to it from Lamictal because Lamictal makes my hair fall out. Looks like I’ll be sticking with Lamictal. Pity."

• Meh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium had no help for me. It actually made me more depressed and had huge side effects, mostly stress. I used it for over a year and had to stop it. Was no help."