just been given it since limictal wouldnt work and i'm a little scared to take it. is there anyone that has taken it on here? if so can you tell me the good and the bad effects you recieved from this medication?
2006-12-07 05:00:34 · 7 answers · asked by atreyu17244 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have taken lithium for over 10 years.
Good side effects:
1)Works wonders for both bipolar mania and bipolar depression epidsodes. Really does help with mood swings.
2) Its cheap because it is so old.
3) There are several "forms" available. I use the extended release form
Bad side effects:
1) You have to have your blood drawn regularly (monthly at first than like every three months after) to make sure your levels are in the therapeutic range and not too high.
2) Makes you thirsty
3) Causes hair to change texture
4) Causes acne
5) Can make you have diarhea. Take it with meals. That will help ALOT.
That's all I can think of now. But it really does help me.
2006-12-07 05:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by riptide_71 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took it for three days. After the third day of the bad side effects it gave me I stopped taking it and called my doctor to let her know it wasn't working for me. I got real bad chest pains and it made me twitch really bad. I got scared to the point that I went to the emergency room to make sure I didn't have a toxicity to it and that there wasn't too much of it in my blood. It apparently reacted to the rest of my medication, and therefore I couldn't take it. Of course all medicine effects all people differently, so I would say if your doctor recommends that you give it a try you do, and then judge how well it's working for you on your own. Just make sure you let your doctor know what happens when you take it. Lithium is one of those medications that have to be monitored all the time to, and they will do a lot of blood work frequently to make sure all your levels are ok. Also, it makes you have to drink a lot of water all the time, because it tastes kinda like salt and apparently works the same way with absorbing water in your body. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck, and I hope it all works out for you ok. Just remember not to get discouraged if this med isn't right for you, there are so many others out there to try.
2006-12-07 05:09:27 · answer #2 · answered by stacijo531 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may have burnt out my ability to ever feel truly happy.
i would like to have tried life without it. if you take it, stay hydrated.
fix your diet before going that route. here:
anyone who is depressive should take a good multivitamin most days with a meal. while you are at it take a calcium+magnesium pill, unless by some miracle you get enough calcium. (or you take a calcium-based antacid) also, get lots of beneficial fatty acids. you should try taking a gram of fish oil daily, it can do wonders.
then try getting lots of sunlight. get some vigorous cardiovascular exercise as often as you can. practise good posture and learn a little about basic yoga postures and t'ai chi warmups. posture has a large impact on your sense of well-being. always work to expand your approach to and understanding of fitness. core strength is crucial.
eat a varied very high protein, high fiber diet low in saturated fats and refined carbs. shun additives and preservatives. you want fresh whole foods, not overcooked. eat leafy greens and colourful vegetables. eat tree nuts,eat fish, eat more fish, the more nutritious fruits (berries, etc.), herbs, legumes, and some grains. don't eat sweets or drink sweet/sour drinks, especially soda. instead eat fruit. diet really really really matters. it has a slow cumulative effect. I know these diet changes can be inconvenient and costly. However, because the alternative occasionally involves hospitalization, and because the overall quality of your life will improve on this diet, I believe it is necessary.
stay hydrated. this can be a matter of simply avoiding certain foods that dehydrate you.
that's all that comes to mind. If you use caffeine, try 3 weeks off. If that's no good, consider optimal dosage and timing relative to work/sleep. you may wanna look into ginseng.
2006-12-07 05:05:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It saved my life. The side effects don't matter, my life was a shambles until this little pink capsule was introducted. Stick with it and give it a chance. Make sure your pdoc takes reg. blood tests for toxicity. Other than that, you'll be amazed.
2006-12-07 05:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by been there, done that 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i took lithium for years
bad effects: make ur hands tremble and lots of acne appears
good effects: i really don't know, i felt the same but i've read in phamacology book 2006, it was the best
2006-12-07 05:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by 000 000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm on Lithium, I like it & it's cheap. Stay hydrated, avoid sweating,
you may experience some weight gain.
2006-12-07 20:30:14 · answer #6 · answered by nbr660 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out crazymeds.org it is a really good site to find out side effects
2006-12-07 06:37:13 · answer #7 · answered by chefaid90 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋