Bipolar Disorder Support Group
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Let me try and make this as concise as possible..
I'm currently taking Lithium in addition to Seroquel and Lamotrigine. Lithium has helped me a lot, stabalized my moods, has helped clear my head and look at thinks from other people's point of view. However, it stopped working recently and I became moderately depressed. Had my thyroid checked and it was hypo. Since I've started taking the thyroid medicine it has helped alot. Here is the problem....I've been on Lithium for just under a year and have developed the following:
-gained 20 lbs. (Seroquel was also a culprit)
-my hair is falling out...seriously falling out.
-I have acne for the first time in my life. On my face, on my back. It seriously sucks. I feel like a different person.
I don't mean to be vain but I'm having a very hard time accepting these side effects.
Has anyone else stopped Lithium for similar reasons...or stopped for any reason?
BTW, I'm taking 1500 mgs of Lithium (blood level of .9), 200 mgs of Seroquel XR, 400 mgs Lamictal.
HELP!
I'm currently taking Lithium in addition to Seroquel and Lamotrigine. Lithium has helped me a lot, stabalized my moods, has helped clear my head and look at thinks from other people's point of view. However, it stopped working recently and I became moderately depressed. Had my thyroid checked and it was hypo. Since I've started taking the thyroid medicine it has helped alot. Here is the problem....I've been on Lithium for just under a year and have developed the following:
-gained 20 lbs. (Seroquel was also a culprit)
-my hair is falling out...seriously falling out.
-I have acne for the first time in my life. On my face, on my back. It seriously sucks. I feel like a different person.
I don't mean to be vain but I'm having a very hard time accepting these side effects.
Has anyone else stopped Lithium for similar reasons...or stopped for any reason?
BTW, I'm taking 1500 mgs of Lithium (blood level of .9), 200 mgs of Seroquel XR, 400 mgs Lamictal.
HELP!
deleted_user
I became toxic on Lithium so I had to stop taking it. Is your dr prescribing something in its place?
tommymott
I've taken lithium for 30 years without the side effects you're experiencing. Lithium doesn't keep me from becoming depressed, but it does stop psychotic mania. Maybe lithium is causing these things for you. We're all different.
TasteForPhree
Peacelilly, my pdoc and I have just started to discuss it. I have an appointment in 5 weeks...I had to wait so long in order to give the thyroid medicine time to work.
deleted_user
Meds changes can be rough. You said Lithium was helping but you didn't like the side effects. So, maybe the new med will be even better - no side effects. It could be a positive change. The waiting is hard, but hang in there.
TasteForPhree
Thank you so much b/c I have not been looking at in such a positive light. It is really important to stay positive..makes it easier for good things to come to you!
deleted_user
You're welcome...best of luck to you!
deleted_user
When I was on Depakote I couldn't stop eating and my hair fell out by the hand fulls. I really understand where you are coming from. I suggest adding Zinc and Folic acid. I also stopped brushing my hair and only used a wide tooth comb.
TasteForPhree
Thanks, that is helpful. I am taking zinc and folic acid, selenium and biotin. I think they are helping some because I was out of most for a few weeks and the hair loss seemed to get worse. I hadn't thought about a wide tooth comb...
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