Getting Off of Lithium Carbonate....?

Question

I've been taking 300mg Lithium Carbonate nightly for sleep. It's not working and my Russian psychiatrist has switched me to Ambien CR, which does work for me. My question is, how do I stop taking the Lithium? Can that be done abruptly or must I taper? He didn't seem to understand what I was asking when I spoke with him (he's an intern in psychiatry as well as a less than fluent English speaker). I'll be searching for a private non-charity based clinic once my new insurance kicks in, so I won't have to deal with him for much longer thankfully. His adviser was too busy to speak with me at the time of my visit, so I couldn't ask her.

Answer 1

There have been reports of withdrawal symptoms from lithium and lithium rebound, so gradual discontinuation is recommended unless abrupt withdrawal is necessary because of toxicity.

Get a psychiatrist who knows English if you can. That is so scary.

Answer 2

that's what i will enable you comprehend which you probable already comprehend...this may be a drug it is used predominently to handle Bipolar sickness. I incredibly doubt that folk get "loaded" off this, and that's totally risky if taken over the perscibed dose (liver injury). There are plenty safer, extra value-effective uncomplicated tactics to get loaded than with Lithium

Answer 3

you are always best to taper these kind of meds out. also just to be sure you could phone another doctor just to check in the UK we have something called NHS direct you can phone for advice, if you have anything like that you could check that way.

Answer 4

yes, taper off but the dose you were taking is not very high but wean off in increments

Answer 5

Lowering slowly is what to do...but I go on and off as I please and for years and no ill will has come...but don't try this at home! Or yahoo answers will send me another nasty letter.