Lithium

[recoveryishard]

So after 6 months of instability, drinking and having a generally miserable time, I have now been prescribed lithium. I'm scared of the side effects, of how long it will take to work and what if it doesn't? I have literally taken everything else there is and it's my last shot. I had a complete breakdown last night, had to be restrained by my dad and he called an ambulance. Then the police turned up, then my ex pulled up! He has taken the kids for as long as I need which maybe a couple of weeks which is killing me. I also have suspected glandular fever so am feeling pretty shitty. This is also likely to end up at social services attention and after my accidental overdose last week I'm scared of what will happen (Altho I've not heard from ss about the overdose and though I would have by now?!). I'm exhausted and fed up, miserable and know I need the break, my ex is being supportive but as he was abusive I don't trust him and worry he may take them (especially after my daughter said something about his gf being her new mummy!). He hasn't before, and no one else said he can/will but I'm a worry wart.

I'm also concerned about everything I'm taking, lithium, Lamotrigine, Duloxetine, quetiepine and diazepam + the strong pain killers and antibiotics for my throat/illness.

Uugghhh its all such a mess, I just want to sleep and wake up in 6 months and to feel better and be running again and be healthy.

What's lithium like, does anyone get on with it?

Resting is so underrated! Any luck with getting out today?

Yes, I got up, showered, changed my bed and went to therapy, even tho I can barely talk. Now exhausted and can't sleep. Either up all night or sleeping 18 hours 🤷‍♀️ drs Thursday for more bloods then Friday for results and see if they can figure out what this illness is. Booked 2 days away In Bournemouth next week, be good to get away, by the sea 😊

Hi OP, I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better.

I’ve been on lithium for three years now. I was lucky in that I have never had any bad side affects apart from a little hand shakes but it’s not really a problem.

I started feeling calmer after a few days, it felt like a miracle. It doesn’t really treat the depression for me but then as PP have said, bipolar depression is notoriously difficult to treat, esp as I can’t take any antiDs as they make me manic.

The thing it really helped me with was the grinding self loathing. I’d spend nights tearing myself up about stupid things, conversations I had 20 years ago for eg, and wanting to hurt myself because I felt stupid. Yeah I know... I still do a bit but it’s much less of an issue now. It also helps with the suicidal ideation a bit, although I think it’s become a bad habit with me.

Don’t forget to go for your bloods. My doc likes to keep my levels at 0.8 to 1.0, apparently it’s most effective within that range although your doctor will advise you on that.

Another thing, when you collect your prescriptions, make sure you’re getting the same brand each time. The bioavailability of the lithium varies from brand to brand and it can screw with your levels. Also brand switches have made me feel like shit for weeks. I went from Priadel to Liskonum because of a change of dose and I felt so ill I thought I’d gone toxic. I hadn’t and the symptoms did subside but it was bloody awful.

Good luck OP. Things will improve and you won’t be ill for ever. Also don’t worry about SS. If they turn up at your door don’t be scared. The worst thing they’ll do is keep an eye on you for a bit, assuming there are no other issues. Just be honest and let them get on with it and they’ll be out of your hair soon enough. You never know, they might be able to help you get more support if you need it.

Just had a letter from my psychiatrist and am now feeling upset. He has stayed that I am not suicidal but took an overdose (was an accident, wasn't trying to kill myslef), that The ambulance crew had to call the police as I was drunk and aggressive (not true, 999 callers asked them to attend as I was, I admit angry and had had a few drinks) and that I had sent my kids to their dads 'albeit at the end of the road' ! What does it matter where he lives I sent them there to keep them safe and not to expose them to my low mood and constant crying. Every time I get a letter from him he is so cold and uncaring and just makes me feel like it's all my fault and I'm a piece of crap. I have called my nurse to tell her that some of it is wrong and am waiting for a call back. Sometimes so do just feel like ending it all but I keep going for my kids, even if I feel they'd be better without me 😢

Not sure why so many people are scared of lithium - it's just a drug like all the others. I know it is usually precribed for bi polar and it seems to suit many people as a mood stabiliser. I take a small dose 200mg to augment my depression. Don't know whether it works or not as the depression come and goes.

Hi everyone, I have BP2 and have had PND now for nearly 8 months. I’m deciding between Venlafaxine and Lithium as my next med. I’m already on Lamotrigine and it works to a degree but not when I’m in a deep depression. I tried Quetiapine but hated it.

The people I know on Lithium have Type 1, but I’ve read a number of studies suggesting it in fact works even better for Type 2.

Does anyone here take Lithium successfully for Type 2 and specifically has it worked for depressive episodes as well as to keep you stable between episodes?

Thank you so much.