i have been o 1 lithium for 2 months and was just put on another lithium for a week now...when is it going to kick in and is this drug also for anxiety?
2006-09-04 16:13:35 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
It's usually prescribed for something a little more serious than anxiety.
Lithium is used in the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It decreases abnormal activity in the brain, but the specific biochemical mechanism of lithium action in mania is unknown. It is prescribed off-label as a treatment for depression, schizophrenia, certain blood disorders, and impulse-control disorders. I have a vague notion that it was once discussed as being a possible 'cure' for shopaholics, but I cannot remember where I could have heard that.
It should already be working; the drug stabilizes in your system 8-12 hours after you've dosed. Your doctor is probably monitoring how well you are responding to the medication, and adjusting your dose accordingly. It's perfectly normal to go through several dosage adjustments before the proper level is achieved; each person responds to medication differently. Just remember that it's extremely important that you are monitored during your treatment with lithium, and contact your doctor if you begin to feel flu-ish. Don't miss a doctor's appointment unless you absolutely have to, and reschedule as soon as possible.
Remember, if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to call your doctor. That's why they are there! And if you want to do any additional searching on your own, try the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) group Web site; it's a great place to start.
2006-09-04 16:58:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lithium is not for anxiety or psychosis. It prevents mood cycling in manic depressive (bipolar) disorder.
If you are having symptoms of anxiety tell your doctor because you may need a different medication for that.
2006-09-04 23:29:19 · answer #2 · answered by Diane D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lithium is commonly used for mania and takes 1-2 weeks for therapeutic effectiveness, but if you have changed meds then it could take another 2, it is not labeled as an antianxiety but if it decreases mania i would say that it could reduce anxiety as well, if you have any questions about it you could visit webmd.com or go to rxlist.com
2006-09-04 23:19:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
good **** lithium, the effects wear off faster and take longer to kick in each time thats why the docs only temp put u on em. had largactle? its the bomb......better than valium any day. too bad it takes a nutter to get the goods ey? take care
2006-09-05 00:16:37 · answer #4 · answered by chlo_bo69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can take up to 6 months before you see any results.
2006-09-04 23:19:23 · answer #5 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is for anxiety. It should have kicked in by now.
2006-09-04 23:16:07 · answer #6 · answered by wildstar_2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is a mood stabiliser, start working fairly rapidly. try webmd.com for more information or email me
2006-09-04 23:15:31 · answer #7 · answered by HK3738 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it's an anti-psychotic
2006-09-04 23:17:13 · answer #8 · answered by summer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋