Unsure about taking Lithium?

Question

I've been diagnosed as bipolar, and I think I was misdiagnosed. My doctor had me take a survey, read my answers, and told me I was bipolard without discussing my answers with me. One was "you have trouble focusing". I do, but I have been doing online classes with a 4-yr old and a 6-month old at home, obviously I have trouble focusing. I do believe I have a form of depression, I get sad and worried over lots of things, I've always got something on my mind, yada yada. Anyway, my doctor prescribed Lithium for me. I've read up on the side effects of it, and I am scared to death!! I asked for just a basic anti-depressant and he refused, telling me to see a psychiatrist if I didn't want the medication he was prescribing! I'm not crazy, I don't have terrible mood swings, I don't go off the deep end! Is there anyone out there that has been in this situation? I would love to hear the pros/cons of personal Lithium experiences before I put this drug in me! I have 2 kids that need me!

Thank you all so much for your answers. I called today to address my concerns and that I wanted to talk about a different medication. His nurse talked to me (he was too busy apparently) and told me that if I don't want the medication, to not fill it. We're not going to be playing phone tag all the time, if I want to talk to the doctor I need to set up an appointment to come in and have him re-evaluate my survey. I am going to forget setting up an appointment with him, and follow your advice to see a psychiatrist. Thank you all so much for your help.

Answer 1

From what you have said, I would suggest that you need to find a more supportive doctor, especially if you have expressed you concerns about the prescribed medications to him/her and have been rebuked. In the case of something like bipolar or depression / anxiety, it is probably a good idea to see a Psychiatrist. They have the most experience dealing with mental illness and would probably be able to better diagnose such conditions and also to prescribe appropriate medications. After all, a Psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor who specializes in mental health, the same way that a Cardiologist is an MD who specializes in the heart. Regardless of what kind of doctor you see, you should be able to work together to find a solution that works best for you.

Answer 2

A few things I know from experience and tons of research ...

Lithium is now being prescribed in low doses for people who suffer not only from bipolar, but also clinical depression.

Lithium is a great mood enhancer.

Lithium also has a plethora of side effects - long term and short term. Short term side effects include: tremors, hairloss, weightloss, to name 3. Long term side effects include: thyroid and kidney problems in too many cases!

If you are truly bipolar, going on an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer on board is dangerous. It could send you into a terrible mania - hence your doctor's precautions.

That being said, you are not happy with your doctor for one, and two, a psychiatrist is always the best resource to seek when you are dealing with your mental and emotional well-being.

Therefore, your best choice is to see a psychiatrist, get a proper diagnosis, and on proper medication. There are many, many alternatives to lithium nowadays. Best of luck.

Answer 3

I totally agree with the answer given above. I hope you have the option to see another doctor and certainly one who is more supportive. I'm been prescribed many different antidepressants and lithium is normally not offered as a first-line medication. I don't claim to know all about medications for depression, but in my own experience, lithium was the last medication offered to me. I hope you will get the help you need.

Answer 4

You are right to be concerned and from what you describe you suffer from depressive illness and NOT bi-polar. I have bi-polar and I go so low that I stay home for weeks on end and then I go so high that I get out of control!

Lithium is in my opinion not a good drug. For me I got the shakes and I gained a ton of weight and felt sick most of the time. Now I am on lamotrigine and it focuses more so for depressive illness even though its used as a mood stabiliser.

If I was you I would not listen to the opinion of your doctor. See a psychiatrist they are very skilled at mental health whereas GPs aren't. If money is a problem go to your community mental health or even ask your GP to refer you.

Good luck

Answer 5

Hi Sweetie,

I'd be Leary on it too! Several yrs ago the Dr. Balmba from Bewitched gave it 2 me, I was irritable, not myself, & just plain moody!
After 1&1/2 weeks I took it back & was pre-scribed Paxil which gave me a more comfort zone, so to speek. But we are all different, so it may take a while before u find the right one 4 u. Try a physciatrist who
is much more able diagnose R Real Problem & can talk to the core of wat is. Postpardom depression I think it's called after u have a baby. But get rid of r take back 2 R Dr. so he/she knows u didn't abuse em & get a referal for Physchiatrist who can prescribe Med's were Physcoligist
can't. ALL My Best of LUCK!

LOL, Diana D
PS Get P.O.d as u don't have time/patience
to be unsure, r Sure & U have lil ones that depend on Mommy! U R so Blessed to have them, as through my marriage I had Endometreosis & in an 6 mnth IVF Program
he opted to say forget it & we Seperated, so I have none.

Answer 6

First, RELAX. Then, think. you want the best for your kids and you want the best for yourself, so do what your doctor tells you to do and things will be ok. The FDA has OKed lithium for this in the 1970s.
* Look at the link below. it gives info. on the drug
;D don't worry!

Answer 7

lithium is nasty, i wouldnt recomment it with 2 YOUNG kids around. and if that doctor didnt talk to you at all about it, id see another doctor...