i have been on effexor for 3 months but i was recently diagnosed with bipolar w/mania. i have been taking 1200 mg of lithium for 9 days now. when will this help. the doc says this is the best medicine for me. does it take a few weeks for me to feel a complete change. i just want to be back to me!
2006-06-05 16:59:29 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
it takes about 1 month as a standard for any type of regular-dose drug to run your system normally. also in that situation, make sure the doctor you have is a doctor you trust. you may also consider keeping a journal of how the drug is making you feel. different drugs effect people differently and what works for one may not work for another. just keep tabs on it for the next few weeks and if things don't improve, go to your doctor and tell him its not working for you and he needs to try something different.
2006-06-05 17:04:59 · answer #1 · answered by justgerry2000 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would check with your doctor and maybe try Lamictal.
I take Wellbutrin XL 300 mg for the depression. I was just diagnosed with Biopolar II. I have never tried Lithium, but when I hear the word I always have a negative thought about it, but I really don't know why.
I am also taking Lamictal, (this is a medication that has been used in the past for epilepsy, but they are finding it very beneficial for biopolar also) I just started about 5 weeks ago and started at 25 mg then to 50 mg and now at 100 mg, and I am feeling so much better, it has helped me immensely, my mind isn't racing all the time, (ADD also) I feel very calm, (not to calm though) and I have started to get out of the depression for the first time in about 6 weeks of being at home from work. Lamictal can be taken 200 mg and 300 mg, not sure if it goes any higher. I noticed a sense of calmness right away when I started the Lamictal, even on the 25 mg. When starting and switching to a dose I have really weird dreams, but they gradually get better after 5 -6 days, other than that I have no other side affects.
I would try this if I were you, especially if you aren't noticing anything on the Lithium. I am no doctor, just speaking from experience. Best wishes to you and God Bless you!!!
2006-06-06 00:44:06 · answer #2 · answered by dubdub 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i suppose if you was taking effexor you was depress, but if you are now in mania fase , i always believe that exist better drugs than lithium, like lamictal or depakote , but all of this medications while your blood create a level of it, can take six weeks minimum
2006-06-06 00:32:59 · answer #3 · answered by jav3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand how you feel -- my first daughter felt the same way. You just need to make sure you are all right and not suicidal when you are in your lows. I hope you believe in mind over matter, and that you realize any risk you take. Good luck and take care.
2006-06-06 00:05:46 · answer #4 · answered by Wasabandmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it should all redy be in your systom if its not working let your docter know. and with that kind of stuf you will never get back to your old self and as long as you take it you wont. i would say try to better you mind with a lot of ohnist thinking. but if the problems that couse you condishon are persistent you would need to isalate them and work them out.
2006-06-06 00:13:43 · answer #5 · answered by brakedown61301 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋