Posted by Ritch on April 8, 2002, at 10:23:30
In reply to LITHIUM questions, posted by HMK on April 8, 2002, at 9:04:22
> I've been using Effexor XR, Neurontin, and Geodon for the past year or so in an attempt to regulate my bipolar II. I also have an underactive thyroid which just makes things more complicated. Lately, I have been cycling so quickly- one day crying all day and the next day jumping out of my skin. I am having my thyroid checked tomorrow morning, but in the meantime I am considering lithium.
>
> I have never tried it and am concerned about the side effects of this drug. Could people on the drug please respond as to how they tolerate lithium? I know it's considered the gold standard in treating bipolar but I'm still afraid to try it. Any insight would be much appreciated.
>
> Best wishes,
> Heather
Hi Heather,You might get a better response from Depakote-given that you cycle rapidly. Also, lithium tends to worsen hypothyroidism. You might also look at your dosages of Geodon and esp. Effexor-they have both been reported to cause agitation/hypomania in some folks. However, it may be entirely possible that all you need is a little thyroid augmentation to settle down the cycling. But, lithium has some good points to it. It often helps with depression much better than Depakote (in some-and in my personal exp.), it can settle down dysphoric reactions to antidepressants, you can get away with taking it all at bedtime, and your liver isn't involved with getting rid of it. You might want to get your thyroid "straighened out" first before you add-on or change anything else-just to possibly spare you any unnecessary side effects from lithium, etc.
poster:Ritch
thread:102373
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020408/msgs/102385.html