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.

deleted_user
I have recently been taking Lamictal 100mg and Natural Lithium (homeopathic). I have been feeling better, but I have also recently given up alcohol, so that could be it too. My new doctor says that with my family history he wants to up the dose on my lamictal which I am fine with and put me on Lithium which I worry about because of the weight gain. I have recently lost about 50 lbs and that has made me feel much better. I do want to place my mental health first but I haven't really been feeling up or down. What advice can you give?

deleted_user
what's this lithium homeopathic?

deleted_user
Go with what works for you. Tell the doc you'd rather stay at this level because you feel good. Let him know that your willing to go up if you feel you need it. My psydoc said there was no hurry and I could go up at my own pace. Try it and see.

deleted_user
I told my doc if i start gaining wait on lithium,thats it i will stop. Do what works for you. There are alot of ways to approach the problem.

Unwell
never gained weight on lithium, it just made me sick as hell, so the doc switched me to trileptal...

zombie
gained 30 lbs on lithium and it made me feel too medicated. now i'm on lamictal and wellbutrin. the latter makes me rather nauseous and i have a loss of appetite. i had to buy some fat pants while on lithium and now they're starting to fall down. dealing with the side effects almost makes me lose track of noticing the positve effects. i hate drugs, wish i could be more homeopathic but insurance won't cover it and i'm poor. advice: don't give up, keep trying-there are many drugs out there and many combos to try until you get the right coktail. don't let yourself suffer any side effects that aren't tolerable. weigh the pros and cons

deleted_user
I did pick up weight on lithium the first time I tried it but since I changed my overall diet (in response to Type II diabetes) I dont' seem to gain very much weight on any of the meds. I just started lithium again so I am waiting to see that happens. I am also taking lamictal - hopefully as Lisa mentioned there will be no net gain.

deleted_user
In order to be able to measure if the medication is doing fine, it's important to stop drinking alcohol or to limit it as much as possible.Alcohol dehydrates and is a depressant.It sounds boring but we can't blame Lithium for the effects of the other obstacles that we are hindering it with.Exercise and more exercise will banish that weight but sanity is more cool than vanity in this case.

deleted_user
I don't have advice, but I suggested lithium to my provider and I really like it... as for weight gain, it's never been a problem for me so lithium hasn't changed that. I will say this... when you mention possible weight gain with a drug, providers just look at you, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice my physical health with weight gain either. I wish you well.

GracieLooWho
i have had zero weight gain on lithium for 3 years now.. my weight has stayed the same as before lithium or lamictal

starfish
Does your Doc know about your homeopathic lithium? If not, start there. You need to tell him if you haven't yet, especially if he's going to start you on medical. He could give you too much, and it is easy to get toxic on it.

deleted_user
Too much lithium gave me a hypothyroaid and I gained about 40 lbs. Stopped lithium, started thyroid med and lost 30. Now taking Geodon and Wellbutrin. I think it's working okay. Too soon to tell about the Wellbutrin.

deleted_user
Isn't the homeopathic lithium a very very very low dosage. I was taking some that was only 5mg. That is nothing compared to 600-1200mg which is the dosage used to treat bipolar. No need for the extra dose even if it is a small amount.
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