I was asked to ask all of you and I wanted to know if my brother was diagnosed with a mild case of bipolar, how long with the lithium take effect. Walmart won't tell him because it is a legal issue and he can't afford the dr. again tho he i seeing one. just trying to get some rough ideas if you know for sure.
2007-08-28 02:43:34 · 7 answers · asked by I Love Jesus 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I have prescribed Lithium carbonate for a number of bilpolar patients and what say to them/i've learnt is that usually it takes around 2 weeks minimum for the levels to be therapeutic. Theoretically he should have improved clinically as well during this time but not always. I have only started treatment in severe cases where anti-psychotics have had to be added for mood control in the initial period. Compliance is always a major problem and where the treatment mostly fails but if he is taking it daily and his levels are good there are many other possibilities as well besides lithium.
2007-08-28 05:27:29 · answer #1 · answered by Isamyn 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could take a few weeks. Lithium levels need to stabilize at a therapeutic level, and finding the proper dose and achieving that level, takes time. Too much lithium = toxicity, too little lithium = no effect on bipolar disease.
This is also true of many mood-altering drugs, such as antidepressants. The effects may take a few weeks to show.
2007-08-28 09:49:02 · answer #2 · answered by XOUT 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hi wendy,
there is no mild case. i am bipolar. keep everything in check with lithium.it takes up to 4 weeks toget the lithium to the correct therapeutic levels. he needs to get his blood drawn frequently until they find the proper dosage after that it wont be frequently at all. tell him to hang in there. sometimes people feel the difference in a week. hope i helped. if you need more info email me.
2007-08-28 10:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by KARMA IS IT THOU? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually with antidepressant medications it takes aproximately between 4 weeks before the medication actually completely starts to work effectively, that is not to say that you will not notice any signs of change before that though as you may notice that.
2007-08-28 09:52:23 · answer #4 · answered by kt_meow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my sister in law was bipolar and she was on med's for it for two years and her doctor changed it and two day later she died in her sleep . she was blue and swollen some bipolar can cause server hart problems and failer. and allergic reactions also .you must be very careful. have him checked for any hart problems and any allergic reactions. and my sister in law was only 29 years old . so i wish you luck and god bless your family and your brother.
2007-08-28 10:01:22 · answer #5 · answered by butterfly41281 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Lithum? Geez!!!!! who prescripes that these days. It had devasting effects on body and for this reason i know someone who sued her doctor for giving it to her.Id ask for another treatment plan.
2007-08-28 09:57:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
about one week, my bro is on the same meds
2007-08-28 09:53:36 · answer #7 · answered by poohbear 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋