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.

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Lithium & patience

1alexis2stop
1alexis2stop
I'd like input of those that take lithium. Also, i was diagnosed in 2012 and switched meds a few times to get my mood level. How long before there's relief? What I mean is the roller coaster...I thought the meds prevented it. Am I being too impatient?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lithium made me sick as a dog!! Just could not handle it! I had zero tolerance for it?
benzenering
benzenering
How long have you been on lithium? What are you blood levels? What other meds are you taking?

I've been on lithium and saphris for 3 years and have been stable. Meds are different for everyone. If lithium isn't working for you, try something else.
worldofblah4
worldofblah4
I agree with benzenering with the questions they asked you. I was on lithium for years and it worked pretty well. Psych meds take a while usually to start working. I have tried over 35 different meds and hundreds of combinations. It is a process! Don't get too discouraged and just keep trying! I hope you feel better soon!
sfagrad
sfagrad
I have been on lithium almost two yrs. it is my miracle drug. It took a few months before I got the full effect. Unfortunately these meds take time to work. How long have you been on it? You will notice a big change in how you feel.
beckyp
beckyp
1alexis2stop, post this on the discussion board and you may get some more responses. Lithium didn't help me much, but I'm more bp2 than bp1. Tommymott has taken it for years and swears by it.
dancingd
dancingd
Most meds take a few weeks to fully have any impact.

Give it some time .

If you aren't feeling any better in ....say, 6 weeks, call your Pdoc
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lithium made me very sick. However, it is also known as a bipolar wonder-drug for many people who can tolerate it. How long have you been on it? Sometimes it can take weeks for a drug to reach therapeutic levels. I'm no doctor, but if I were in your shoes, and it was not causing any unbearable side effects, I would give it some time. It may be the perfect drug for you...or it may not. Have you talked to your psychiatrist about the symptoms you're having and that the drug isn't working yet? Best of luck to you!
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