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Switching from lithium to latuda

mistibouragibou
mistibouragibou

Due to kidney disease I'm in the process of switching from lithium to latuda.  I've been on latuda for 2 months now and am trying to wean slowly off of lithium.  Every time I go down on the lithium as little as 75 mg I have terrible mood effects for about a week, but then seem to even out. Has anyone had this experience? I'm hoping that the latuda is doing something to help me stay stable.  Lithium has worked well for me for around 20 years so I'm really nervous about relying on a different drug, but I understand that it's necessary for the health of my kidneys. 

tommymott
tommymott
I assume you've been using lithium carbonate. I suggest switching to lithium orotate as I have. Lithium orotate is used in a much smaller dose and research shows that it doesn't affect the kidneys. Plus lithium orotate is not prescribed but sold as a dietary supplement and can be purchased at vitamin and health food stores or online. I have a lot of information on lithium orotate if you'd be intersted. I have no experience with latuda but I've noticed that anytime I slowly stop a med it causes noticeable side effects.
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
hi, I also have alot of info on lithium orotate which I am happy to share.

Please do not switch to orotate unless you are under the supervision of a doctor.

The main points are;

1. there is absolutely no clear medical evidence it will work - a few studies were done in the 70s which were contradictory - but one suggested that the body may have difficulty excreting lithium in this form and so a toxic build up can occur. Bottom line is these could kill your kidneys.

2. there is no real control over what goes into the pills as they are not medicines. Most of the world's lithium orotate is synthesised in vats in India and China. Neither country has a great record for controlling what the filler is in the pills.

3. having researched the wholesalers own website you can get anything between about 75% to 150% of the dose it is supposed to contain. These aren't supposed to be used medically.

I have a bunch of other stuff, all researched i could share.
mlr0853
mlr0853
I have kidney disese too...switched to lamictal....Great medication for me...I have rapid cycle bp.
mistibouragibou
mistibouragibou
I'll discuss lithium orotate with my doctor. I have tried lamictal and unfortunately it destabilizes me. for mlr0853- has being off of lithium halted the progression of your kidney disease?
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
That's scary. I'm on lithium and have been for not yet a year. No side effects for me either. Good luck with this a change
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I haven't but I wanted to wish you well as you tweak meds and give you a big hug.....xo
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