Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
Has anyone else had lithium keep them awake, have broken sleep or make them wake up really early? Or all three?
I've been on lithium for almost three weeks now and I've noticed that ever since I went on it, my sleep is troublesome. I used to be a person who got an easy 9 hours of sleep and now I'm averaging 5 or 6 VERY broken hours of sleep.
How about feeling like a zombie? I feel sort of flat. Like I'm in a dense fog. Some of that is from the depression I'm in, and some of it has to be from the lithium because it is such a recent development. I honestly have to say that this flat feeling is making my depression worse.
In fairness, lithium has stopped the cycling and slowed down the suicidal thoughts, but it's just not doing very many positive things.
Anyway, it would be great to know if these are just my imagination, or if someone else has had these problems. Thanks!
I've been on lithium for almost three weeks now and I've noticed that ever since I went on it, my sleep is troublesome. I used to be a person who got an easy 9 hours of sleep and now I'm averaging 5 or 6 VERY broken hours of sleep.
How about feeling like a zombie? I feel sort of flat. Like I'm in a dense fog. Some of that is from the depression I'm in, and some of it has to be from the lithium because it is such a recent development. I honestly have to say that this flat feeling is making my depression worse.
In fairness, lithium has stopped the cycling and slowed down the suicidal thoughts, but it's just not doing very many positive things.
Anyway, it would be great to know if these are just my imagination, or if someone else has had these problems. Thanks!
deleted_user
Ivybelle, I have been on Lithium (at varying dosages) for almost 20 years. What I might suggest is that you ask you pdoc if the dosage is right. I take 900 mg controlled release at night and it seems to be working for me, but different people need different amounts. Three weeks isn't a really long time either. The best calculator is your blood levels and the doc can do them and tell for sure.
deleted_user
I have to agree with nana. I've been on lithium for 2 years and it has never been the cause of my sleep issues. I had sleep issues prior to starting lithium. I would suggest the same, check your blood levels and see if it is within the normal range of therapeutic level. Check with p-doc...as you DEFINITELY want to be sleeping. Otherwise you could have a manic episode.
deleted_user
Good luck!!!
GracieLooWho
i have been taking lithium for 6 years and i know it is not what causes my sleep problems since i have had trouble my whole life with sleep ......... i don't get the flat feeling .... maybe it is something that will wear off in time or maybe just talk to your pdoc .... i had a bad taste in my mouth for the first few months when i ate certain foods but it went away
deleted_user
I have been on Lithium for a year and a half. The first month I felt like my head was detached from my body. That feeling eventually went away. I can say I was getting up a lot at night because I was so thirsty, since lithium will dehydrate you.
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