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Lithium

reneep31
reneep31

Hello, I've been on many antidepressants for the last twenty years. My new psychiatrist looked at my gene test and said I lack a gene to transmit serotonin. She wants me to start on a low level of lithium, eventually add some lamictal. I'm very scared about this, because lithium sounds dangerous to me. I've just had all of these recurring thoughts about death for years, was diagnosed with anxiety, now they are saying OCD and depression.



Has anyone tried Lithium and Lamictal?  I'm currently on Pristiq, but she is taking me off of that.



Thanks so much for any advice or info!

Restful
Restful
I’m not a medical professional, but I would recommend monitoring yourself closely on Lithium. I was put on Lithium 4 years ago and ended up having a psychotic episode. It works great for some people though. Just stay aware of how you’re feeling while on it.
nicole876
nicole876
I am on a pill with Lithium. It helps a lot. I have a cousin who is on it and she thinks its for the best. The best thing you could do is try it and if it doesn't work try something else? :)
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
Lithium is actually one of the safest meds on the market, its a salt, a natural substance, not a chemical like many other psych meds. Lithium is used to manage the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body. Sodium affects mania and hypomania. Lithium is used to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It's not generally used to specifically affect Serotonin, but has been successfully used for generations to control BiPolar Disorder.

It has low side effects, but does have to be monitored because too much can have an adverse effect on the Liver/Kidneys. But you'll find that many Psych meds have that issue. I used Lithium for 15 years to control my BiPolar Disorder and it worked very well in my Med Cocktail. I'd be more concerned about the Lamictal which has many more side effects to be concerned with.
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