Check out this website. It tells the truth about side effects of all anti-psychotic, mood stabilizing, or ssri and maoi drugs from a real-person perspective.
I was amused to find that lactation (even in men) is a side effect of Lexapro. Without this website, I would have never known. I included the Lithium link below.
2006-11-13 15:27:28
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Lithium Side Effects
About 75% of people who take lithium have some side effects, although they may be minor. They may become less troublesome after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. Sometimes side effects can be relieved by tweaking the dose of lithium. However, never change your dose or drug schedule on your own. Do not the change brand of this medication without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. If you are having any problems, talk to your doctor about your options.
Common side effects can include:
Hand tremor (If tremors are particularly bothersome, an additional medication can help.)
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Weight gain
Impaired memory
Poor concentration
Drowsiness
Muscle weakness
Hair loss
Acne
Decreased thyroid function (which can be treated with thyroid hormone)
Notify your doctor if you experience persistent symptoms from lithium or if you develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, or rapid heart rate.
Tell your doctor about history of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, and allergies. Make sure your doctor knows about all other drugs you are taking. Avoid products that contain sodium, such as certain antacids. While taking lithium, use caution when driving or using machinery and limit alcoholic beverages.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it -- unless the next scheduled dose is within two hours (or six hours for slow-release forms). If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double up" the dose to catch up.
There are a few serious risks to consider. Lithium may weaken bones in children. The drug has also been linked to birth defects and is not recommended for pregnant women, especially during the first three months. Breastfeeding isn't recommended if you are taking lithium. Also, in a few people, long-term lithium treatment can interfere with kidney function.
Dizziness, headache, blurred/double vision, nasal congestion, lack of coordination, shaking (tremor), muscle weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, painful menstrual cramps, difficulty sleeping, and lower stomach/abdominal discomfort may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, unusual tiredness, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), muscle pain/tenderness, muscle weakness, dark/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine, yellowing of eyes/skin.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. (See also Warning section.) Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, fever, itching, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
2006-11-14 00:08:14
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answer #2
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answered by dee luna 4
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first ,ask yourself do you feel any better, and any side affects, will subside shortly after you have taken this medicine, there,s a reason why you were put on these medicines, and how do you think you would feel if you stopped takings them, and sexual side affects, nothing to much to worry about, ask yourself do the benefit's, of taking this medicine out-way any risks, if it is helping you, than you should not worry about it.
2006-11-14 00:59:30
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answer #3
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answered by ThomasL 6
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