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 Side Effects???

deleted_user
deleted_user
I need someone's opinion on this, I just started taking Lithium about 2 weeks ago and about 1 week ago, I have constant pain in both of my arms and down to my hands, do I need to go to the hospital??? Or is this from something else?? I havent done any hard labor, cause i dont work. Please help!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I took lithium for a few years and all it gave me was bowel movement problems.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lots of things can happen as side effects.Some people get NONE.
So it's best to check with the doc and ask him to fully inform you of these.
Don't be too scared either.

Some weird stuff happened to me but it goes away.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thats the thing with all these psych meds...they always make you feel so weird and you don't know if that is supposed to be sappening or what??? I have lerned to be the conscious hypochondriact and ask a million questions and call my doc for everything. Better to be safe than sorry.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take lithium, and have digestive problems with it if, I don't stay on a steady schedule. Soreness in muscles is common also. I also have had a gastric bypass and my gallbladder out so I make sure I carry imodium and gas X. I have never experienced pain down my arms or hands due to my meds. However, I have had surgical disc surgery, and have tunnel carpel and other vertebrae problems. I would recommend calling you pdoc to make sure your not having some sort of reaction, and then maybe an appt w/ your general practioner. Think about what you have done in the past week or so that was repetitive. You could have a repetitive type injury in your hands and arms.
deleted_user
deleted_user
BiPolarGirl -
I have been experiencing the pain you speak of. I was on 600mg. of Lithium and recently went up to 900mg. Besides that, it's caused more mixed episodes, so coming back down to 600 and going on Abilify.
Can you call Pdoc? I know it's tough to know what is something that will subside after a few weeks or what will continue. Keep asking questions and talk to pharmacist or Pdoc.
Good luck friend - I know that pain is scary! XOXO
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