Bi-Polar reactions to Lithium???

Question

My husband diagnosed 3 years as Bi-Polar, been unmedicated since bad reactions to previously perscribed anti-psychotics. Is now (Today) starting Lithium after a mild manic period. Was encouraged by responses to previously posted question (Thank you again). Other than dry-mouth and needing to stay hydrated, keep a routine and avoid alcohol...
What have been your experiences, reaction, side effects of Lithium in respect to Bi-polar?
Thanks in advance for any advise, no matter how minor it seems at the time.

He has been hospitalized 2 times and given depakote, zyprexa, a vaproate and abilify. (At different times) Withthe Depakote he wasn't ready to accept medication and tossed it all into the toilet. But after being hospitalized twice and the bad reactions to the other meds, we are hoping the Lithium helps. He has been on disability for 6 months so I have the only source of income, otherwise I agree startign meds in-hospital might be beter, but he also takes care of out kids while I am at work. I have all the finances, and the only key to the safe and I know that while he may sometimes have issues with impulse control, he would never intentionally do anything to hurt anyone. His last major manic episode almose ended our marriage, in addition to our 14 year friendship. I really hope that we can manage his meds.

Answer 1

I don't want to sound dramatic here, but Lithium basically saved my life - as far as moods go. I am Bipolar II, was in the worst shape until a new psychiatrist came on board, rescued me and put me on Lithium (also with Lamictal).

It took a little while to work, but the change in moods was dramatic.

But, I did not heed my pdocs advice about drinking lots of water, and it played a serious role in a situation:
I went to visit a friend and we travelled to a flea market, which was to turn out to be the hottest day of summer. So, with no bottle of water to sip while shopping, no hat, and no breakfast in my tummy it was spelling disaster. We split up, and I was at the car first and waited for about 1 1/2 hours in the strong heat. Later, at home I felt like I had the flu so went to bed very early. Laid in bed, rolling over and over with pain, was vomitting, diarreah, and finally I fainted. She took me to the ER and was found to be Lithium TOXIC. Very, very dangerous. I was in hospital for 3 days (nice trip with the girlfriend!) on IV just to pump fluids in my system.

So I learned my lesson - keep up with the water, and if you are going to be out in heat or the strong sun - be prepared.

Hope I have helped. Wished someone had told me of this experience before I went into this danger.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Lithium is used for other serious mental disorders besides "Bi-Polar". Lithium is still a standard treatment for bipolar I disorders. The adverse effects that may limit the use of lithium and cause clinicians to consider using eithr carbamazepine or valproate include renal effects (thirst, polyuria), neveous system effects (tremor, memory loss), metabolic effects (weight gain), gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea), dermatological effects (acne, psoriasis), and thyroid effect (goiter, myxedema).

Of potentially serious concern with lithium treatment are its effects on the kidneys, which can include moderate and occasionally severe imparment of tubular function: uncommon, moderate, and unspecific morphlogical changes: and rarely, a nephrotic syndrome.

These many adverse effect required careful monitoring of patients' renal and thyroid status.

Compliance with lithium treatment is increased with the early initiation of treatment, adequate treatment of concomitant illness, treatment of coexisting substance substance abuse, early detection and prevention of side effecs, and the patients participation in individual and group psychotherapy.

Responsiveness to lithium reatment is improved when adequeate lithium levels are maintained, adjunctive medication is used as indicated, and laboratory and clinical monitoring is carried out.

Nonresponsiveness to lithium treatmentis most likely with severe illness, the presence of schizoaffective disorder symptoms, mixed manic and depressive symptoms, somatic symptoms, alcohol and other subsance abuse, rapid cycling, and the absence of a family history of bipolar I disorder.

In my private practice if I have a patient that has "Serious Mental ilness, and requires mind alterning drugs, I prefer to treat them in an hospital as opposed to out patient..

Reasons is that I want them to have 24 hours per day evaluation while they are on say "Lithium", plus routine blood and urine work performed. Plus making sure that the patient is stablilized on the right mg's. or requires a combination of say antideprssant medications so that they will be able to live a quality life.

Patients with just depression, I will never put them on drugs as they only mask the root cause of their problem. I prefer indepth one-on-one therapy to obtain the root cause if their problem or problems to give them alternative solutions to resolve their problems without the use of medications.

Most imporant is that your husband have frequent blood and urine test performed. Because you can become toxic on Lithium an also have renal failure.

Wish you and your husband all the best.

Clinical Psychiatrist, France,

Please excuse my english

Answer 3

hi Tim Sorry to hearken to approximately your spouse despite if it somewhat is remarkable to appreciate which you're actually not giving up on her and attempt to assist. I additionally am Bipolar with OCD, PTSD and DID. you're able to be able to could desire to talk along with her physician on your individual to particular your concerns. I easily have urged the two my husband and companion's mom to touch my physician any time they sense i'm relapsing, or doing something which would be risky to myself or all of us else. who's prescribing your spouse's medicine? Anti-depressants should not be prescribed by way of a time-honored physician. i chanced in this out by way of own experience which very practically killed me. I only stored telling my physician that i develop into depressed and she or he only stored increasing my medicine. It wasn't till I voluntarily committed myself, did i eventually get the real help that i mandatory and counseling develop right into a substantial portion of my getting extra beneficial. She somewhat needs to work out a Psychiatrist if she hasn't already. If she is seeing somebody, then possibly she ought to attempt yet another. It took me a on a similar time as to discover a competent tournament. aside from medicine, she additionally should have one-on-one scientific care and the two one in all you need to have couples' scientific care. yet another significant element - she could desire to cut back her alcohol intake. Alcohol has a great impact on how anti-depressants artwork. back, something I discovered from own experience.