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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charmingdisaster 04/25/2013

my question is how long does it take for lithium to be in your system? I started 1200 mg per day about 2 weeks ago. I have to get bloodwork done too so when will there be an accurate level in me? Also after finding out about my fathers lung cancer diagnosis I've been pretty unstable. I did myself needing a lot of klonopin. I drank more than I should have last weekend and I'm torn between waiting to be self destructive and just isolating myself. Im so angry lately too.

justletmebe 04/25/2013

It took a good month to feel it working, im on 900mg

I hope you feel better soon!

GinaWonders 04/25/2013

Lithium will not help with stress of your father - and if it was working, the drinking and the klonopin, you wouldn't notice - alcohol beats any medication out of effectiveness - its stronger, simple. You'll never get drunk on lithium : )

Hold on, keep taking it right - and realize, no medication will fix us, it helps the extremes, which lets us learn how to handle stress Better - not get rid of stress...

I am so sorry about your dad, please hang on! Your both in my prayers...

charmingdisaster 04/25/2013

Thank you both!! I have to realize that I have to start pulling out my coping skills. It's good that the meds tone what I'm feeling down. An thanks for the lithium advice. I just want to be sure that the level they get from my bloodwork is reflecting this new dosage.

DeeTOOL13 04/25/2013

I remember it taking awhile to get into my sytem

I wish the best for you & your family

HUGS

deleted_user 04/25/2013

It takes a while for Lithium to be stable in your system. Call your Pdoc and ask him what to do.

Some people here have been on Lithium for over 30 years.

deleted_user 04/25/2013

I've been on 1125mg of lithium for years. My dr. Tells me the night before I get my blood levels, try and have it done exactly 12 hours after your last dose. So if I take it at 10pm, try getting the bloodworm done by 10am and on an empty stomach. He said that way, the readings are more accurate. It's a pain, but I do it.

KatLin 04/26/2013

Im sorry for your loss. I do hope you have a therapist or some kind of real life support.

Lith does take awhile to get to a therapeutic level in the blood. However for me the effects of it on my bipolar were with in a week or two. Little at first but still noticeable.

my pdoc also told me to get blood 12 hours after my last dose for an accurate level. I normally take mine with dinner the night before my draw.

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