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.

6,449 Members
125,788 Posts
2 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

lithium overdose?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I can't get a straight answer from nurse/doc about my lithium dose. Is 600mg in am/ 900mg in pm too much?
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
I've only been given a number. I'm told 0.8 is the upper limit. But I think I've seen a higher figure.
deleted_user
deleted_user
it depends on ur weight and age i thin ku should probly get bloodwork done to find out if ur lithium levels are too high
dobiedots
dobiedots
I'm on 1200mg. a day which I split up and take 600mg. in am and 600mg. at night.
it really goes by your lith. level in your blood. Everybody is different. Ask doc what your level is.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yup, the blood lvl is the key. We all process it differently.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ummm... I'm not on lithium, anymore... so, I can't tell you about the dosage...HOWEVER, I can tell you about the warning signs of a lithium overdose... 'cuz I had one.
You feel like you're drunk. You stagger all over the place, can't be reasoned with, and slur your words. THAT is TOO much! I went for a walk and got pulled over by a cop. He charged me with being drunk in a public place. I had lithium toxicity. I "think" I took 1400 mg in about a 2 hour period. I couldn't remember when I took my last dose... so, I took another!
MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THEM AT A SCHEDULED TIME!
After I got arrested... and they realized I wasn't drunk... I was transferred to the psyche ward, where I spent a week getting everything under control.
If you miss a dose... don't "double them up".
That's about all the advice I can give ya!
Sorry!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am on 900mg at night. And in the morning I am soooo shaky and confused.
deleted_user
deleted_user
.6-1.2 is the level. Get a blood test
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you take 900mg at night and feel bad, have you talked to your doctor? I know this sounds insane, but I have a new dr. and he's from Germany and I can't hardly understand him, not enough.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ive been on lithium for 2 weeks now and my doc hasnt even taken blood. Should I be worried?
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community Leaderacuriousfish

    it's all been a bit of a to do.....

    Posted by: acuriousfish
    Last Reply: irishwriter
    8
    long story short - I've been feeling unwell for several months. Looking at my mood charts I realised that things had been gradually getting worse year on year - several months of depression in the spring, several moths of agitation / nasty hypomania in the later summer / autumn.So getting fed up with treating myself with seroquel prn I arranged to see my psychiatrist, first time in years.I made...
  • Novembergirl1950

    Lamictal

    Posted by: Novembergirl1950
    Last Reply: Novembergirl1950
    12
    Has any experienced Hypomania while on Lamictal?I increased Lamictal two weeks ago and having lots Hypomanic episodes out of the blue, with no idea what the trigger is.In reading the patient insert I see that it has been reported to causing Hypomania as it has some antidepressant properties.I also increased Quetiapine at the same time. These are not big increases and was under the doctors...