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.
I have a question for people on lithiumn. Around this time of year mine is increased from 600mg to 900mg a day. This was done about 2 weeks ago. I was fine 3 days ago when I went into depression. Would the increase cause this maybe because it is part of my brain chemicals adjusting?
I sort of remember this happening last year but I'm not sure.
Preciousbabygirl
Any change in medication can cause a mood shift... good or bad. I'd call your pdoc and talk to them and find out what to do if it's a serious concern.
mlr0853
keep hydrated, ask psydr to check kidney function as well as lithium level, as lithium is processed through the kidney. Take care, ML
tommymott
I've used 1200 mg/day of lithium for over 30 years and the lithium has neither caused nor prevented going into depression. Lithium has taken mania out of my life for which I'm grateful and I have time and focus to deal with depression as a result.
Jenniferswe
Thank you everyone for your input. I think I have bp2. I don't get Manic highs so what it does for me might be different than for a bp1. I'm still depressed today but I'm not crying as much.
OlderCPer
Its pretty normal for a Lithium adj. to seem like a pitfall for a bit, but then you get back to good. It's exactly as you surmised, your brain chemicals adjust to every med/chemical/substance you put in. As Lithium is a natural Salt, its absorbed quickly and changes can be seen quickly. Make sure your getting plenty of liquid each day.
Jenniferswe
I've been drinking a lot of water and cranberry juice. Thank you for the reply.
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