I was recently hospitalized for severe depression/anxiety that lasted for 5 months. Nothing worked for those 5 months i was being treated till i finally had to be hospitalized. The Doc. there (who was excellent) took me off all the anti depressants and other meds. (She doesn't believe in anti-depressants for bipolars). Anyway, when she mentioned Lithium i was extremely reluctant due to the side effects i've heard about, not to mention the age of the medication.
Anyway, I finally gave in, took the lithium and as she raised the dose, within days the depression lifted and the crying bouts/anxiety/panic attacks stopped. I was amazed with the efficacy. When i went in there, not only was i severely depressed, but an emotional mess...literally crying on a continual basis.
I know i have to get my bloodwork checked and all that. But i'm writing here to those of you on lithium to inquire what your experience has been. Any side effects? Any weight gain, acne, vision problems, thyroid issues? My biggest concern is weight gain since i gained aaaaaaaaaa lot of weight when i was on depakote yrs. ago. My 2nd concern is the acne since i already have an acne issue.
One thing I've been noticing for the past 2 weeks is that i sometimes get shakey hands and even legs. (good thing i'm not a surgeon). My pdoc said that was from the lithium. (He currently thinks it's too high) I also noticed my handwriting has been really bad (sloppy) and i make mistakes when writing more than normal.
I know i need to start researching everything i can about lithium and the side effects...haven't gotten around to it. I only knew about the basics before i started taking it. If anyone knows of any links that would be appreciated.
So please do share how well (or not) lithium has been working for you and if any of the side effects have presented themselves. Thanx
Anyway, I finally gave in, took the lithium and as she raised the dose, within days the depression lifted and the crying bouts/anxiety/panic attacks stopped. I was amazed with the efficacy. When i went in there, not only was i severely depressed, but an emotional mess...literally crying on a continual basis.
I know i have to get my bloodwork checked and all that. But i'm writing here to those of you on lithium to inquire what your experience has been. Any side effects? Any weight gain, acne, vision problems, thyroid issues? My biggest concern is weight gain since i gained aaaaaaaaaa lot of weight when i was on depakote yrs. ago. My 2nd concern is the acne since i already have an acne issue.
One thing I've been noticing for the past 2 weeks is that i sometimes get shakey hands and even legs. (good thing i'm not a surgeon). My pdoc said that was from the lithium. (He currently thinks it's too high) I also noticed my handwriting has been really bad (sloppy) and i make mistakes when writing more than normal.
I know i need to start researching everything i can about lithium and the side effects...haven't gotten around to it. I only knew about the basics before i started taking it. If anyone knows of any links that would be appreciated.
So please do share how well (or not) lithium has been working for you and if any of the side effects have presented themselves. Thanx
