i have been on this for 2 months is it true it can take up to 3 months to theraputically work.....and also i have been gaining weight taking this...does lithium cause it and can i diet to lose it?
2006-08-18 19:50:49 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hi Gen,
I was diagnosed with bipolar in 1997 and have been on varying milligrams of Lithium ever since. I had a rapid response to Lithium.....I would say within two weeks I began to feel better. During the last 9 years of have been on a ton of different mood stabilizers.........and other psychotropic meds. I have experienced weight gain...........then I diet etc etc. The most important thing to focus on is your mental health. If you eat healthy and exercise everything else will fall into place.
I noticed that my weight gain isn't specific to the meds I am on but to my mental state. When I feel good about myself then I want to take care of myself. When I am depressed I am desperately trying to find something to ease my pain......food is my pitfall when I feel that way. Just like everyone else, whether you are bipolar and taking Lithium or not. Diet, portion control and exercise is always a must.
I know that you didn't ask this........but no matter what, keeping your appointments with your mental health professionals and taking your meds as prescribed is the two most important thing that you can do you. The weight gain is insignificant as long as you stay mentally healthy.
Best wishes to you! The struggle is worth the life you will live.
Susan
2006-08-19 15:19:34 · answer #1 · answered by susant5864 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. With all psychiatric drugs the amount of time it takes to work from patient to patient varies. I was on it for 2 years and it never worked for me. Are you getting your blood checked? They base it by the theraputic levels of lithium in your blood. I was getting mine checked every two weeks. It can take awhile to actually get to a theraputic blood level.
Unfortunately, lithium usually causes weight gain. It's an unfortunate side effect. The best thing I found was to increase activity because I tried changing my diet and it didn't help too much. But if it works for you, stay on it. It could be a real life saver.
Just on a side note...if you take lithium as your mood stabilizer, and you're finding that it doesn't work, talk to your doctor about a mood stabilizer called divalproex, also known to some as 'epival'. I had an extreme reaction to lithium and became very physically sick for about a year (no one knew it was the lithium) and it stopped almost immediately after I stopped taking lithium and started epival. Lithium did more damage than good for me. I think it's just the general drug that they start everyone on.
I just read the thing about the salt, and actually you HAVE to drink tons of water on it. If you exercise it's possible to become easily dehydrated. I believe lithium is actually a partial salt compound. Don't quote me on that though, but I know it influences salt in your body.
2006-08-19 03:24:08 · answer #2 · answered by Mental Health Paige 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to as many people as possible. Lithium is ok or some and not for other people. I was on it for Bipolar for 4 years. My psych kept upping and downing the dosage every 2-4 wks. I hated that. But it did so the trick for me. I did end up gaining 15 lbs. You don't need to "diet" but just eat healthy. Vegetables and fruits and lots of water. Lots of water. I think the Lithium even made me more thristy. And try not to eat much salt. Don't put it on popcorn, have unsalted crackers or low sodium crackers. Salt and lithium will make you gain more weight. I've heard that from others also.
I ended up having to switch psychiatrists and my new one took me off the Lithium immediately and put me on Effexor, Wellbutrin and Propanenol. I have this bipolar under much better controll now. But I know of people who do very well on it. But research it. I have read that people shouldn't be on it for more than 3-5 years. Lithium, especially in high dosages, can damage your liver.
Good luck!!
2006-08-19 03:02:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told to eat extra salt and drink extra water. Since I started taking it, I have been hungry every day. However, before that I was depressed with no appetite so I don't know. I am gaining, but I have been eating so much more than I was, so I'm not surprised.
2006-08-19 03:41:31 · answer #4 · answered by peaches 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can diet while taking Lithium.
All depends on your bodies metabolism & how long it takes to work.
2006-08-19 02:56:42 · answer #5 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes but at two months you should be feeling some of the effects of the drug, it can cause weight gain you can exercise loss weight and watch what you eat
2006-08-19 02:58:49 · answer #6 · answered by wil_t52 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋