Joined: 07 Aug 2004 Posts: 15 Location: California
Long Term Lithium Use Posted: 03-07-05 01:06am
I have a question about the long term
effects of lithium use for a bipolar
patient. Could one start up again after
a lasped time of use? Will it work
again? Could it cause pronounced hand
shaking or shaking that would worsen in
time? Could it cause kidney damage down
the road? I would like any of the
medical advisors on this site to respond
back to me if possible and anyone else.
I was on lithium successfully for 14 years
until I planned for a baby. I started up
again and then stopped a second time for a
second baby. Now my new psychiatrist has
me on trileptal which I don't think is
working. I am begging her to put me back
on lithium, but she cautions me that it
might not work efficiently again. She
also says it causes a hand shake that may
be a likelong side effect. (i already
have it anyway.) also, kindney problems
down the road. She is a doctor who
believes in the use of other drugs besides
lithium for manic depressive disorder.
It is a tough decision, but a sound mind
is better to have than none at all.
If I take lithium for life, what may
happen?
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chuckles
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 3 Location: los angeles
Trileptal Posted: 03-30-05 05:41am
I have had bipolar disorder to my
knowledge since the age of 21, I am now
36.
A physician recommended trileptal for me
last year. This medication was first
developed as an answer to epilepsy. So,
in my humble non-professional opinion, it
is still in the experimental phase. I
would suggest finding a holistic
physician, discussing openly your bipolar
disorder. I am taking lithium now and it
is very effective for my bipolar disorder.
And I was also prescribed zyprexa for my
stages of mania. However, I am very much
opposed to any pharmacuetical medication.
Lithium is an element on the periodic
table and was used by ancient cultures as
a salt, what modern society uses today is
sodium chloride. It is drying my skin
and I have a bit of a rash. I am looking
for another natural alternative. Western
physicians can only prescribe medications
okayed by the fda and will not recommend
healthier alternatives not approved. A
social worker gave me information on st.
Johns wort, kava, and valerian root as
healthy alternatives. But - get a
medical professional's opinion. I know
that I have a tendancy to "play doctor".
But my experience with physicians has been
one of mistrust as most are all too
willing to write that prescription before
listening to their patients. So I am
very careful who I select as my physician.
I have found a great physician, but I
also consult a homeopthic physician for
possible alternatives. Although I will
keep lithium until I have an okay from a
physician.
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chuckles
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 3 Location: los angeles
Our Own Education Is One of the Keys to Happiness Posted: 03-30-05 05:44am
Learn as much as you can about all the
medications prescribed to you. It is our
disease, the doctors unless they have
bipolar disorder can only do their job.
