Whats it like to be on Lithium??

Question

I've recently been diagnosed with 'mixed' Bipolar Disorder and have been advised to take Lithium long term. I've been given 2 weeks to decide if I want to try the treatment or not. My family is very concerned as they think they will 'loose' their daughter. They have heard many stories of how Lithium can have a zombie effect on the patient and they end up loosing the sparkly bits about their personality that everyone loves. My pyschiatrist says if it happens it happens...(not very helpful!) Obviously everyone reacts differently to medication but is there anyone out there who has tried it and found it helpful? Did you turn into a zombie??

Answer 1

it may have destroyed (permanently) my ability to feel what i call truly happy. i can't say, as too many things were changing at that time in my life. perhaps it was just part of the aging process. i advise first trying to control it with strict diet and exercise and some supplementation. email me through here if you want details and help.

as for 'what it is like' - for me, not much different but it may have stabilized my mood slightly.

Answer 2

I have been using Lithium for 5 yrs now and find it wonderful, It does make you thirsty as it is a salt It may be an old fashioned drug but I found it was the only one which suited me. It is important to take it at the same time every day, I am unipolar depressive not Bipolar, and as far as my family can see I have not changed into a zombie in fact I am more outgoing than I was.

Answer 3

I have seen people turn into zombies & I don't think it's good.
I have dealt with such thing all my life & I just want to say they "generally" tend to label people (eg you feel a bit down & you're labeled depressed"!). only people who have really lost it are severely mentally ill & they need sth & the only thing available at the moment is these awful, damaging drugs. you don't sound like you're like that...

What makes the Dr so sure you need to take this meds? are you able to function without them? if anyway possible, ask for any alternatives such as counselling etc. I'd stay clear of these drugs unless you really have to & look for other ways.
One thing I can suggest is hoempathy. I've had fantastic results with it & I highly recommend it. some GP's can refer you on NHS, otherwise you have to go privtae.
to find a homeopath near you please see link.
Please also see 2nd link about psychaitric drugs & their effects & also contact them; they might be able to help find alternative treatments.

Answer 4

personally no but known someone who was on it and yes it can make you like a zombie but suppose it depends on the dosage.Hard to advice you whether to take it or not as like you say everyone is different with medication but i wouldnt take it id ask for an alternative medication but if you try it and see what you feel like on it then you can decide if you want to carry on taking lithium.Pyschiatrists arent always helpful cos some just throw any medication at you.

Answer 5

Lithium is merely a mood stabiliser and you know you don't have to commit to a lifetime on it to give it a try.

Lithium treatment might not agree with everbody but it is worth trying if you are having episodes of bipolar disorder.

I know two people on lithium and neither of them are anything other than normal people. They WERE out of control and found litium put them back in the driving seat!

Answer 6

all these mental problems must have a cause-sometimes not noticed or unrecognised by some experts/doctors.
I would consult the clinic below for an alternative diagnosis,
possibility-they can do tests for various problems,such as
infections,like lyme disease,or chemical contaminations,that can cause some or all of your symptoms.

Answer 7

You become a robot basicaly, you start to experience a lot of apathy and what you do feel on rare occasions seems very artificial. Some will disagree but i've been on the stuff so I know different.