Bipolar Disorder Forum - Lithium options ?

Mental Health > Bipolar Disorder Forum > Lithium options ?

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Q: Lithium options ?

asked by: sunnydays on September 4th, 2008

New User

I had been on only 1- 10mg pill of Abilify for 2 years, and tried to convince myself and my Dr that I was fine. I think I just didn't want to go back to the 10 pills-a-day type of regimen I was on when I was first diagnosed at 16 years old. Just recently--about 6 months ago--my newer psychiatrist put me on lithium for my depression along with my abilify. I worked well, until I had heart palpitations (rapid, pounding heartbeat), major headaches, and diagnosed thyroid problems(nodes,cysts, etc) that may have led to my 20lb weight gain. Anyway, my primary care physician spoke with my psychiatrist just yesterday about taking me off lithium completely. I am just not sure what to expect now. My psychiatrist once mentioned Lamictal and Seroquel to replace Abilify and Lithium. Does anyone have any good/bad experiences with those meds? I have a psych appointment at noon today. I'm guessing she will give me a couple options to think over/research. Anyones' insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks...

Replies(1)

MandMs

replied on September 6th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Hi!

It's good to know that the relationship of mood and thyroid is extremely complex, and that bipolar patients are more frequently suffering from thyroid problems, and, that unappropriated thyroid function can give symptoms that are bipolar-like.

It's a rule to get the thyroid gland working properly, before beginning with your treatment for bipolar disorder, because if it's not, you might not respond fully to treatment for bipolar disorder, and when you get your thyroid hormone in the right place, by itself could help your bipolar symptoms somewhat.
Other important thing to know is lithium's ability to interferes with the thyroid system, leading to low levels of thyroid hormones (low thyroid hormones, leads to decreased mood and energy, feeling depressed)

What have happened at the last psychiatrist's appointment?

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