ok so i am bipolar and take lithium,effexor,xanax...i feel a little better but how long can it take longer than a month for lithium to set in?
2006-06-24 18:37:02 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Lithium needs to build up to a "therapeutic level" in your blood and that takes time. So, yes, it will take some time (a month to six weeks) to start to feel the full benefits from it. The other drugs are why you are feeling a little better already. Just continue to take your meds!
2006-06-24 18:46:35 · answer #1 · answered by ilse72 7 · 12⤊ 2⤋
I am also bipolar and on a combination of Lamictal and Seroquel.. It took about 4 weeks for people around me to notice a signifiicant change in my moodyness/irritability .. and 6 weeks for me to notice it in myself.. these things take time.. just be patient with it.. I would say if your condition worsens after 2 months it would be time to consult with your psychiatrist or primary physician and perhaps have a discussion about trying something else..
There several different combinations of medicines and all of them work differently for different people.. sometimes it can take years of trying differnt things to get the affliction under control.. keep in mind medication does not cure the illness.. it just finds a decent compromise from highs being too high and lows being too low..
I would say just be patient, and try to hang on. These things take time. and always take your medication..
Even in times that you feel normal.. the next cycle typically is much much worse if you skip the meds. Personal experience there.
Also, I found it very helpful to talk things over with a knowledgable pharmacist that can explain the medications being prescribed.. for what to expect and any potential hazards or reactions between medicines.. doctors are sometimes waaay too busy to give the finer details.
Good Luck :)
2006-06-25 00:32:32 · answer #2 · answered by lost_but_not_hopeless 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did u know that lithium is a very dangerous drug in the fact that u need to take it at the same time everyday? cant miss a dose u have to be on the ball with it at all times? cause too much of that chem in your brain isn't a good thing. just thought i would let you know i use to take it. i couldn't take it at the same time everyday so it wasn't for me. hope this helps.
2006-06-25 00:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by butterflyharmon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
xanax kicks in right away... But a heads up, xanax is very hard to get off of after you start on a regular basis, even if its only been 2 weeks... Be careful... I'm not sure about the other meds. thoe...
2006-06-24 18:45:35 · answer #4 · answered by bek 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't believe that people are bipolar,you just have an attitude problem or short temper, all your doing with that is making the drug company richer,
2006-06-24 19:01:55 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you take all at the same time? were they all prescribed to you at once? meds can take up to SIX months to kick in completely.
2006-06-24 18:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by feeshbulb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋