Recently been diagnosed

[purposegiven]

I was diagnosed with bi polar a few months ago and after almost losing my wife and family and everything Ive ever cared about, Ive just recently started taking Lithium. Its only been two weeks, but I think Im feeling a little more stable...I would like to know what others have to say about Lithium and how it has affected their lives or any other medication. This is all new to me and I was shocked at first to even think that I had a problem, but now as I look back at my life, I can see how this illness has had a play in all of my life....it is definetely a life changing decision.

 

[Glisten]

I know someone close to me with this disorder, but this person could never be convinced to take the meds that will help. I am glad to see you are willing to at least try it. Sorry, I cannot answer your question, but its gotta be better than the way it was, right? Hope someone here will be able to answer your question though, it's good you are asking it. Medications should be taken with caution, and care. Bless you!

 

[growingupinhim]

you will gain alot of weight!

 

[I'ddie4him]

I was diagnosed with bi polar a few months ago and after almost losing my wife and family and everything Ive ever cared about, Ive just recently started taking Lithium. Its only been two weeks, but I think Im feeling a little more stable...I would like to know what others have to say about Lithium and how it has affected their lives or any other medication. This is all new to me and I was shocked at first to even think that I had a problem, but now as I look back at my life, I can see how this illness has had a play in all of my life....it is definetely a life changing decision.

I was diagnosed 11 years ago myself. I take 1500 to 1800 mg of Lithium per day. I know about the struggle and the loss of a family due to this. My first marriage failed after almost 10 years because my wife at the time didn't want to deal with it. She was very selfish and self centered. If ya want to chat, Drop me a pm anytime. I always answer em.

 

[California Dreamin']

I haven't been on lithium, but my dad was.
I was diagnosed in October and my boyfriend and my dad are also bipolar.
I am taking Paxil and Risperdal.

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Purposegiven,

I've been on Lithium for the past 7 years and it has worked well to control all episodes of mania. I did experience bad side effects in the beginning... but the trade off has been worth it. I don't have any of the really bad side-effects now. I did gain a lot of weight... which I haven't been able to lose. And I just found out that lithium can cause psoriasis... as she scratches her scalp. The lithium caused my thyroid to stop functioning properly... but this was easily fixed with levothryoid.

If the lithium is working for you keep taking it, even on days that you would rather not. Your moods will become more stable. Meds alone can only do so much though. I'd encourage you to seek out a good counselor and/or talk to someone on your church staff.

Best of luck to you. You'll be in my prayers tonight.

LC

 

[CoolWater]

I have been on lithium for almost three years now, and it has worked really well for me. I have had no long-lasting side effects, though when I first started taking it I had a very difficult time reading.

If you want to be successful with it, take it everyday. Even when you are feeling good-- and if you respond well to it, you will get to a point where you do feel better-- still take your meds. If you stop treatment, your symptoms will return just as quickly. For me, I look at it like its insulin for a diabetic.

I'm sure your doctor has told you that it takes a while to stabilize your dosage. Meaning, through trial and error you will find the dosage of lithium that is right for you. My adivise to you is just to be patient. You will get there... it just takes some time.

I will pray for recovery and health for you.

 

[zyklzy]

I found myself being very non-compliant when I was on Lithium. Aside from the problem of weight gain, I found that I could easily slip into a manic episode just by stopping my Lithium for a while. Whilst this might appear a benefit, it got me into all sorts of trouble. My wife left me three times, I lost my job after a near fatal drug-overdose, made atrocious financial decisions that i'm still paying for - and that what just the tip of the iceberg. But then, being Bipolar you have to expect a bumpy ride. Now I take Tegretol which I hate as it makes me feel like a lifeless zombie but at least i'm tame.

 

[Laurel Crowned]

I found myself being very non-compliant when I was on Lithium. Aside from the problem of weight gain, I found that I could easily slip into a manic episode just by stopping my Lithium for a while. Whilst this might appear a benefit, it got me into all sorts of trouble. My wife left me three times, I lost my job after a near fatal drug-overdose, made atrocious financial decisions that i'm still paying for - and that what just the tip of the iceberg. But then, being Bipolar you have to expect a bumpy ride. Now I take Tegretol which I hate as it makes me feel like a lifeless zombie but at least i'm tame.

Zyklzy,

It sounds like you have had a VERY bumpy ride. That Tegretol doesn't sound so hot, but if it "tames" you then I pray that it also brings you peace as well as mania-free life.

Peace be with you,
LC