Lithium and Tremors: What Users Say

• Aka...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 18, 2020

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lithium Carbonate (1000 mg). This might shock you, but I have been on Lithium for 18 years. I am now 37 years old, I was 20 years old when I started. What I've learned is you need to know your triggers. For example, don't drink coffee, that made me shake. Watch what you eat and understand what triggers, which only you know. One major thing to stop doing is looking for answers on Google! Just see a doctor! Lithium saved my life. Yes, I've had the odd ups and downs, but I keep going and made something of myself. If I've come this far, I know anybody can. Smile! I would like you all to know, at the end of the day, you can have so much of anything, so make the most of it and enjoy life. I used to be scared of people judging me, but I finally decided to write this review because there is too much misinformation out there."

• Pro...
• October 21, 2013

For Depression "Lithium is my wonder drug. I'm 51, was depressed on & off for years, had major depression for 7+ years, & have been suicidal since age 7. The last 2 years were exhausting trying to stay ahead of the suicidal pull in spite of entering therapy & getting medicated. I finally asked my psychiatrist for any aggressive treatment - regardless of the severity of the side effects - because I was going to lose the battle. He asked me to try Lithium, first. Within a month, I had zero desire to kill myself. Side effects: Major leg tremors (I take Effexor). I feel a little flat, but no complaints; I can't remember the last time I wasn't suicidal, daily. I'm stunned at how this 'alternative' feels & am glad I held on long enough to experience it."

• 123...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2013

For Depression "I was on many antidepressants and none of them helped with my suicidal thoughts except lithium. Some medications I was on made me feel better, but very flat and emotionless. For me, lithium only takes the sharp edges off the bad emotions and leaves room for good (but not manic) ones. I had slight hand tremors for about a year after starting this, which was annoying but not incapacitating. They are gone now. I also gained about 10 pounds during the first few months, but lost it easily and I am now lighter than when I started. People used to tell me, 'Oh, you'll gain so much weight,' but it is mostly water weight because you get very thirsty. Overall, my quality of life is much, much better. Also, you can safely stay on lithium for years."

• Nug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed bipolar 2 in 2018, took Latuda 30mg and Lamictal 150mg, hated the teeth clenching and the skin crawling feeling. Quit medications in January 2019. Experienced manic episodes lasting 3 months until starting meds at the end of October 2019: lithium 300mg twice daily and Latuda 30mg daily. Lithium side effects include craving salt, slight hand tremors, numb feelings, and little noticeable acne. Lithium took effect almost immediately, and I love it. I was close to destroying my entire life until taking lithium. Don't give up! ♥️"

• 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."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2016

For Depression "I have tried so many antidepressants over the last two years and actually found them to only increase the severity of my depression. I found one that helped finally but still felt symptoms of depression creeping in. I asked my Dr to augment with lithium and it worked! My fatigue is nonexistent now and I feel like I can handle life now. At first, I was so thirsty that I could drink the entire Atlantic Ocean with a straw. It has since improved, but I learned that no matter how much I drink, I'm still going to have some thirst so I don't overdo it. My mouth is dry and I have a very slight tremor in my hands but it's a small price to pay--now I get to live instead of just survive. Ps increase your dose slowly to minimize side effects."

• Ret...
• February 22, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Ail...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2019

For Depression "I just started lithium at 600 mg for depression. I’ve tried so many antidepressants over this seven-year depressive episode. I’ve felt emotionally flat, have trouble concentrating and remembering things, and live in a brain fog. It’s been especially devastating since I was forced to leave a wonderful career due to this illness. My psychiatrist finally referred me to a world-renowned doctor. This doctor responded to me within two days. He said that lithium, along with Spravato and intensive TMS, is the appropriate treatment. (The TMS is done for 9 minutes, 10(!) times a day for 5 days. This protocol is approved and has conducted studies on it.) He also said that side effects such as weight gain and tremors are minimal and occur if the dosage is above the therapeutic level. I’m, of course, going to take regular blood tests. I am so thankful that I’m receiving excellent care. Will report on progress."

• Dem...
• December 28, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "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?"

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

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "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."

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

For Bipolar Disorder "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."

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

For Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Dan...
• January 31, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm bipolar and was recently put on lithium. I can tell a huge difference, and so can my family, but it's been about 4 months now, and I'm at a crossroads with staying on it. Some of the side effects I'm having are weight gain, thirsty all the time, constantly having to pee, hand tremors, my hair is falling out, and blank emotion. I've read a lot about this drug, and I know my liver, kidneys, and thyroid are all at major risk for damage, so what do I choose? Feeling better and dealing with all the crap that goes with this medicine, or get off of it? Decisions, decisions???"

• Mau...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 14, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on lithium again now for a few years. I was able to wean off of it a long time ago under doctor's supervision. I do experience slight tremors in my fingers, but I honestly can say, hand on heart, it's brilliant at keeping the manic episodes at bay. Now for the depression episodes, my psychiatrist added Sertraline 150 mg and 100 mg Lamictal, which the three make a super combo: one for mania, two for depression. I have been episode-free now for several years. I cannot say anything bad about lithium, it has been a lifesaver for me. And, of course, thanks be to God for His help."

• sue...
• October 8, 2013

For Depression "Have suffered with clinical depression for fifteen years and have been on numerous antidepressants. Have now been taking lithium for 9 months and have had a lot of problems including hands shaking, legs feeling as though they are going to give way a lot of the time, whole body feeling heavy, nausea, parts of my body suddenly jerking, sweating, but worst of all, I feel as though I have had a personality transplant and do not recognize the agitated person I have become, the nightmares. My partner is very concerned. I am reducing the dose to come off it. I have just noticed on this site that it has a high interaction risk if taken with venlafaxine, which I have been prescribed with it at the same time."

• bip...
• October 12, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have had depression forever, and after failed SSRIs, mania started to occur. Luckily, I was already seeing a psychiatrist. He tried me on Seroquel, which made me way too sleepy, and then Lithium, which stopped both mania and depression. Although it doesn't cure bipolar, I still have manic and depressive episodes during stressful times, but they are much more minor now I'm on Lithium. Only side effects are tremors for me, but they are fairly minor."

• jaq...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking lithium bicarbonate for a little over 2 years. My dosage has fluctuated because I am also medicated for manic depression. I am 37 and have been medicated, on and off, for depression since I was 18. Lithium seems to help with my bipolar symptoms, not so much for my depression. My side effects have been: increased thirst, tremors, weight loss, and occasional stomach aches if I do not eat enough when I take my pills. I am fine with these so long as I feel 'normal.' Frequent blood work is not bothersome as I understand they are screening for my own health... lithium toxicity levels, kidney functions, thyroid activity."

• Bip...
• March 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I had previously been put on every kind of antidepressant for depression/anxiety. They all worked horribly; so I stopped all drugs and ceased seeing doctors. Then, I felt insanely suicidal- I was absolutely crazed. Luckily, my sister urged me to seek help as fast as I could- so I did. I went to see another psychiatrist, and he diagnosed me as bipolar. I started on Lamictal, but that didn't do anything for me. Then I switched to Lithium- THANK GOODNESS. I still get depressed, but I never get sucked into a deep suicidal hole like before. I quit the drug for 1 month, which caused me to think about suicide unrelentlessly. Never again will I stop taking Lithium. (Does cause extreme thirst and hand tremors, but well worth it)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 26, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on lithium for 14 years. I take 2100 mg a day, and almost all of my suicidal obsessions have gone away. It controls most of my mania but only puts a small dent in the depression. If I miss a dose, I will start into mania, so don't miss doses. The only side effect I have is tremor. I take 3 other psych meds and have always been amazed how clear-headed I usually am on lithium."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have tried taking lithium twice - when I was a teenager and as an adult. Both times it didn't do much for me. I still experienced mood swings and I gained a lot of weight. I also developed thyroid problems and had very bad tremors. This is not a medication I would recommend. If you do decide to take lithium, make sure to get your doctor to give you blood tests regularly, so you can check on your liver, thyroid, etc. It is very important."

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2012

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on lithium for a long time for bipolar 1. Used as part of combination therapy since I can't tolerate doses over 600 mg/day (start shaking, skin numbness). Works very well for treating the manic side of things, racing thoughts."

• pea...
• November 27, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium is the best medicine out there for bipolar. I have severe bipolar with rapid cycling and have been on every medicine out there. This is the only medicine that has worked. I was always afraid to take it because of weight gain and the tests they have to run to check your lithium levels. I'm glad I decided to give it a try. I had the shaky hands side effect really bad, I couldn't even write a sentence. My doctor then prescribed me propranolol, and after one day of taking it, I have no more tremors. I take them four times a day. Make sure you eat before you take the lithium. Good luck."

• pea...
• November 27, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium is the best medicine out there for bipolar. I have severe bipolar with rapid cycling and have been on every medicine out there. This is the only medicine that has worked. I was always afraid to take it because of weight gain and the tests they have to run to check your lithium levels. I'm glad I decided to give it a try. I had the shaky hands side effect really bad, I couldn't even write a sentence. My doctor then prescribed me propranolol, and after one day of taking it, I have no more tremors. I take them four times a day. Make sure you eat before you take the lithium. Good luck."

• Moo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2020

For Depression "Used lithium liquid form for 1 month and then 700 mg capsule daily for 8 months. Experienced: brain on fire, confusion, unable to: speak, think, and slow mental physical reaction. Woke up shaking. Urinated very frequently. Drank lots of water to reduce the side effects and symptoms. Smoked a lot more cigarettes. Felt like so sick. Drooled and moved very slow. Felt like a zombie. Had muscle weakness. Paranoid thinking. Made me very confessional. Been off this chemical for 3 months and can now write, think, and move faster again. I had reconnected with God. The only positive was finding God and praying for life again. I was just a spirit in a body that would barely function."

• roa...
• December 23, 2010

For Cluster Headaches "My GP thinks the symptoms of what I thought was Parkinson's are, in fact, side effects of lithium. I take 1,200 mg of lithium daily. I gave it a low score for the side effects: the shakes and poor balance. It's very effective in preventing clusters. I took a chance this fall and quit all my medicines. The day after I did this, I got slammed by clusters. Clusters are too painful to live with, so it's better to live with lithium and its side effects than with the pain of cluster headaches."