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.
Hey Folks! So I am being transitioned from Depakote (experiencing a lot of negative side effects on that) to Lithium (with the hope of less side effects). I am curious for anyone taking Lithium how they have found it. Pros/Cons?
I am also still on a small amount of Risperidone which I am also slowly being tapered off of.
Thank you in advance for your input!
I am also still on a small amount of Risperidone which I am also slowly being tapered off of.
Thank you in advance for your input!
benzenering
I am on 900 mg lithium daily. It is working for me with few side effects. I also take Saphris. This combination has kept me stable for 1 3/4 years.
deleted_user
Lithium (600mg a day) was the last piece of the puzzle for me. It really helped my moods stabilize and to keep me more consistently content during the day. I also had some terrible side effects with depakote, ended up in the ER. So if you're having bad side effects I would switch as soon as possible.
deleted_user
I've been on 600mg of Lithium to 450mg to weaning off to 300mg for now. I have to say it's the only medication that has worked for me for my mood swings. But the downside / deal breaker for me was the major weight gain. I also take it with 1mg of Risperdal. For me, it actually knocks me out I sleep 12 hours everyday. If I nap I'll nap for 2-3 hours but that was a pro for me instead of a con. It seems like a powerful med but the drawback to it is the withdrawls once you try to get off of it, which is what I'm experiencing now.
nickpc20001
I felt toxic on lithium. My family said I did not do good at all on it.. It was all just a blur to me.. Some people say it's the gold standard for bipolar people. It just didn't work out for me..Wish it would have..
deleted_user
I agree with Elsairene, I'm considering not taking it because of the weight gain as well. It's really...sincerely a "lesser of 2 evils" kind of decision.
deleted_user
I switched from Depakote to Lithium several years back, and it took about 12 months to get the dose right. Then I went through a bunch of anti-psychotics like Risperidol and Olanzepine, which resulted in weight gain. Abylify proved to be the magic bullet for me, and lithium and abilify have proved to produce clearer and clearer thinking over a year or so.
deleted_user
I was on 4 mg risperidone, 400mg lamictacal, 150mg effexor when I started becoming depressed. I couldn't cfllimb out so we added litium 900mg to my cocktail. I have never felt so good. My moods are more stable and when depression does hit it's more like I'm having a bad day but nothing major. I didn't want to take it because of the stereotypes associated with it but I'm glad I did. Good luck with whatever you decide.
deleted_user
I take 600mg of Lithium daily and it doesn't really seem to do anything good or bad. It balanced me out better than Lamictal but didn't stop the depression era this winter or some mood swings. I didn't gain weight on it.
MoonLight4
Thank you all SO much for your input- appreciated!
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