Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Lithium and Headaches

deleted_user
deleted_user
Is anyone else taking Lithium Carbonate and if so, have you suffered from almost continuous headaches? I've had headaches almost everyday for months now and I think it's the lithium. I just want to know if anyone else has had this problem before I see my doctor again.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I havent had headaches on it
deleted_user
deleted_user
Been on Lithium for a few weeks myself and have had no headaches
deleted_user
deleted_user
I didn't have headaches while I was taking it.
Rruussnn
Rruussnn
Me neither. No headaches on Lithium. Tremors, yes.
deleted_user
deleted_user
oooh, tremors - me too. still have them now (6 years later)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Make sure you are drinking enough water. Lithium causes your body to need more liquid than usual. If you are not drinking enough water then you would experience headaches.
Give it a try; hope it helps.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for all the replies. I drink an awful lot of water, but I still get headaches. I don't know about the tremors as I suffer from Essential Tremor so I probably wouldn't notice them anyway. I see my doctor on Dec. 29 and I think I'll ask him to take me off this stuff - the headaches are too much.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Two days ago I stopped taking lithium and the headaches have disappeared. I know I shouldn't stop taking it on my own but my doctor's appointment is next week and the headaches were just a bit too much. I still have Remeron for depression so I should be okay.
deleted_user
deleted_user
you could always try lamictal. it's another mood stabalizer type drug. you might have better luck w\ it. the only thing is it takes a long time to go up doses. you have to do like 2 weeks on one and then 2 on another and so on (this is the general rule of this med) b\c u could develop this life threatening rash. i know it sounds silly but it's no joke . just a thought. i hope for the best.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for the suggestion, ladyren, but I don't really want to add another drug to the cocktail that I'm already taking. I'll stick with Remeron for the depression and see what happens. 2008 was not my year, 2009 will be.
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