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Not Heidi

(1,459 posts)
Thu Nov 17, 2022, 01:16 AM Nov 2022

Lithium toxicity

New psych put me on lithium, 300 mg three times daily.

I started getting symptoms I didn't recognize. They were troublesome. Then worrisome. Then I lost touch with myself.

I'd surely like to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Lithium toxicity (Original Post) Not Heidi Nov 2022 OP
I'm not familiar with such, but found this: elleng Nov 2022 #1
Thank y you elleng Not Heidi Nov 2022 #2
I used to be on lithium a long time ago. Haggard Celine Nov 2022 #3
I asked lots of questions. He wouldn't listen to me. Not Heidi Nov 2022 #14
Have not experienced it, but have had psych lower my GPV Nov 2022 #4
Just read about it Not Heidi Nov 2022 #6
It's more manageable than going without. GPV Nov 2022 #8
I'm sorry to hear it, GPV Not Heidi Nov 2022 #9
Thanks! GPV Nov 2022 #10
At least not anything that they are willing to give you, right? OldBaldy1701E Nov 2022 #11
I'd love to try ketamine or psilocybin, but yeah. People shy from those. GPV Nov 2022 #12
This message was self-deleted by its author Not Heidi Nov 2022 #7
Might be helpful to read these user reviews... KY_EnviroGuy Nov 2022 #5
Thank you, EnviroGuy Not Heidi Nov 2022 #13

elleng

(136,043 posts)
1. I'm not familiar with such, but found this:
Thu Nov 17, 2022, 01:22 AM
Nov 2022

Lithium toxicity, also known as lithium overdose, is the condition of having too much lithium. Symptoms may include a tremor, increased reflexes, trouble walking, kidney problems, and an altered level of consciousness. Some symptoms may last for a year after levels return to normal. Wikipedia

Haggard Celine

(17,022 posts)
3. I used to be on lithium a long time ago.
Thu Nov 17, 2022, 03:33 AM
Nov 2022

It had too many side effects for me as well. I also hated having to get my blood tested to check my levels. Some of the older medicines work just fine. I'm on an older antipsychotic now, but it's a good fit for me. I've been on most of the newer drugs and some lasted a while, but it would inevitably have to be changed sooner or later. But I don't know your condition, so I can't say whether lithium is right for you or not. Your problems and mine could be vastly different. I hope you're going to get better soon. The main thing to do is follow your doctor's advice and ask plenty of questions. Be patient enough to give the drugs some time to work. It can be weeks until you start getting noticeably better.

Not Heidi

(1,459 posts)
14. I asked lots of questions. He wouldn't listen to me.
Sun Nov 20, 2022, 07:41 PM
Nov 2022

He was my new psych. Now he is no longer my psych. I refuse to stand for that disrespectful bullshit.

As for giving the meds some time, I can't. This toxicity has scared me to death.

Thank you, Celine

GPV

(73,035 posts)
4. Have not experienced it, but have had psych lower my
Thu Nov 17, 2022, 04:38 AM
Nov 2022

dose out of caution. Been on it several years and the only problems are I still cycle and I got Raynaud's.

Not Heidi

(1,459 posts)
6. Just read about it
Thu Nov 17, 2022, 12:22 PM
Nov 2022

Reynaude's must be terrible. I'm sorry to hear of it.
If Imay ask,, if you still cycle, why do you still take it?

Response to GPV (Reply #4)

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,595 posts)
5. Might be helpful to read these user reviews...
Thu Nov 17, 2022, 08:40 AM
Nov 2022

on WebMD:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-14374-lithium-citrate-oral?drugid=14374&drugname=lithium

Those reviews report it as everything from a miracle drug to a potential killer. Some had similar experiences to yours.

I have not been prescribed lithium as part of my depression treatment but I did have serious reactions to most all anti-depressants my shrink tried, and much later discovered the dosages were too high for my system. Even at 75, my chemistry reacts to many drugs much like a child's system would, so I need lower dosages.

I hope you can relay your issues to your doctor and it may be you are also sensitive, or perhaps you're having a drug or supplement interaction from something else you take.

Best of luck to you.....

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