Lithium. Can anyone give me any info?

[mojo1 10]

Because they don't know yet if you need them. Lithium might work.

 

I was just wondering why they hadn't given me all of my options as Lithium is quite a drastic drug and I should be entitlad to try an alternative.

[cgksheff 44]

A good doctor would tell you about some realistic alternatives and their relative advantages and disadvantages.

 

For them to list ALL options would be unusual, but you should ask for more explanation if you are unsure.

[Gypsy Hack 10]

Yes. I've been on medication for eight years, thank you.

My sincere apologies, really. Your choice of smiley made me a bit suspicious, is all.

 

Despite this, I don't really agree with your point. Bipolar disorder is hugely complex, and for many people it's a huge decision to go on any particular medication. The doctor should always offer possible alternatives. Of course, a lot of people with bipolar (sod it, I'm gonna start calling it manic depression, I HATE the term bipolar, makes me feel like a bloody magnet) have a complex cocktail of meds, but this takes an awful lot of figuring out, and sometimes experimenting. A friend of mine took around eight years before she found a combination that works.

 

Anyways, take care, Heyesey.

[Gypsy Hack 10]

For them to list ALL options would be unusual.

Excellent point. Deserves repeating.

[prioryx 10]

I know I've been given the talk about the blood tests today.

I wonder why I havent been offered any other alternative treatments if there are so many out there, I may have to have another chat with my consultant.

 

I was taking a Lithium based drug for 4 years, never had a blood test. Went to give blood for the 40th time and told i was anemic. That's what some Lithium does over a long period.

By the way I was given for a head wound, nothing else.

[mojo1 10]

I was taking a Lithium based drug for 4 years, never had a blood test. Went to give blood for the 40th time and told i was anemic. That's what some Lithium does over a long period.

By the way I was given for a head wound, nothing else.

 

I will have to have blood tests every couple of weeks to start with then every few months after that eventually it should be every six months. I'm not bothered about that as such, it's more the effects on me as a person, I don't want to lose who I am.

[Bago 10]

I am not a doctor, but I've read the whole of this thread.

 

The title of 'lithium' caught my eyes in this thread. I've only ever worked with this substance in a lab context, but never in a clinical context.

 

I just want to say this much about NHS or doctors, or even the mental health area in general. If you do not feel 100% of this drug, and wishes to explore other alternative. Then ask. By all means ask. Ask as many questions as you can, or want, before making the final decision.

 

My father was ill, and we had to be put on the spot to choose the right decision at that time. I questioned the Dr a lot, and asked him about what the different methods are, and how they work, to, what are the side effects, and the statistic of full recoveries. Basically, I asked him the whole strategy of approach to tackle this illness. Saying that, he was a consultant, and have specialised knowledge in that area, and not a mere GP. So he was able to provide all that we wanted to know. I know my father gave complete trust to the Dr, but I wanted to know the full whole story. I want my father to have the best fighting chance as well. I related this back to my father. I also looked on the internet for different articles too. We did the best we can. We also know the course of action from one to the other.

 

Basically ask as many questions as you wish. I am sure that the Dr will learn from yourself too, on patient care. I don't know any of the drugs mentioned here, but there can be a lot of reasons why one is available, and another may not. Or whether one is more effective, and another may not. You are entitled to know your medical history explained to you. If you're unsure, write down a list of Qs to ask the next time you see your consultant too. The Dr we had was very good, as he gave us an email contact too for any queries. I am not sure if Drs in the UK can do this outside of office hours. Or whether they can, due to insurance purposes, and the rest of it. However, you can and do have a right to know the full details. Sometimes it's about asking the right Qs.

 

I don't know whether you have families or partners, but please also discuss this with them too. I think the moral support, and them being aware of your situation would be of help in your recovery too. If you feel that the drug may affect you, and it may affect them. Letting them know in advance would at least prepare them in some ways.

[espadrille 10]

I couldnt use lithium. I have never taken medication, though I did try it.I didnt like the side effects

[EdnaKrabappe 14]

H, someone I used to work with was on Lithium and my Gran's partner has been on it for many years. The girl I'd never seen without it, but she was articulate and quietly spoken but never would I accuse her of being a zombie, she was bright as a button.

My nan's partner - if he doesn't take it he becomes hyper - he can't sleep at all, he starts to ramble and to imagine very weird and not at all wonderful things. It's been described as, if someone said 'boo' to me, i would jump but then would 'get over it' and come back down to normal heart rate. Without medication he doesn't - he stays up there and each little 'shock' takes him higher. The lithium enables him to come back down again to normal levels. Having seen him both ways, the non lithium version doesn't work.

[evildrneil 14]

I thought that lithium was a drug of last resort these days due to it's side effects and harshness? Have they tried you on sodium valproate?

[LordChaverly 10]

My doctor has recomended that I start taking Lithium for my Bipolar disorder. I've only heard the horror stories of how it turns you into a zombie before now and wondered if anybody had any experience with the drug.

I am getting some information sent through to me by my doctor about it, but I feel that any first hand knowledge might help me to make a more informed decision.

 

Naturally without you going into too much personal detail, I would be interested to know how your 'bipolar disorder' manifests itself.

[mojo1 10]

Wow I'd forgotten about this thread.

 

I ended up taking a drug called Semi Sodium Valproate. It's traditionally prescribed for Epilepsy, but has worked wonders with Bi Polar sufferers aswell.

 

It's been working wonders for me and although it hasn't taken the symptoms away it has quietened them down to an extent where most of the time I can function almost normally.

 

I still have to have the occasional blood test with them as they are poisonous, but they aren't as dulling as lithium can be.