Posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2007, at 17:46:29 [reposted on October 20, 2007, at 0:44:29 | original URL]
In reply to Weaning off Lithium, posted by Jimmyboy on October 19, 2007, at 10:33:39
> I was wondering what the safest course to wean myself off Lithium would be.
>
> I hav been on 900 mg for awhile now , and this is long term trial #3 and basically it has not helped on hypomania (never got mania with or without it) and certainly is no help on depression and just gives me bad side effects. Seems rather pointless to take it.
>
> Any information would be appreciated
>
> JB
>
>
>
This is a tough question, because most of the
articles i've skimmed, point to the danger of
bipolar relapse, mania, and even suicidal behaviour-- big time! And what's more there is
a controversy over whether it takes a long time
to react this wayto lithium discontinuation (a few weeks) or months. So, here we are speaking of people aleady certainly bipolar.In your case, it seems that you are saying you
do not have bipolar disorder-- and i think your doctor would definitely have to confirm that you have been taking the stuff long enough to say, no
lithium is not working on your condition because
your condition is not bipolar.Add to that, the question, of whether a withdrawal syndrome may occur anyway,
wehther you are bipolar or not, and i must
say, i have not been able to ferret out an
answer. Many clinical trials have been
given to "controls" and upon withdrawal they
have had the same severe reactions as those
who have taken X for their recognized illness.I think it is complicated enough to get
professional help and exercise caution.Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:790262
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20070929/msgs/790265.html