Does Anyone Know About Lithium Rx

my brother has to take lithium, and that is really the only thing that helps him with his bipolar. The weight gain is a definite side effect but can't be prevented.

I would go to this website to find out more about this medication.
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/search.aspx?stype=drug&que...

Hope that helps answer your questions. Remember, you're always your best advocate. If you should feel wary about certain medications, ask the heck out of the attending physician(s) any questions/concerns you may have. Just because your physician is prescribing this medication, doesn't mean it's the right medication.

My son has been on Lithium for 10 years now. He is a rapid cycler bipolar and it has done amazing things for him!

Yes, it is very toxic and she will have liver panels done by blood test every 3 months or so and she will have to stay VERY hydrated while taking it. But the benefits usually far outweigh the risks of potential liver harm.

My son is about 20 lbs overweight for his 5'9" frame and most of that was put on when he was a child and started the Lithium. However, Lithium does have less weight gain side effects than similar mood stabalizing drugs. So she will just have to watch what she eats and excercise. She will be feeling so much better when her moods are under control that she probably won't mind following a diet.

Good luck!

Lithium is the strongest bipolar med you can get. Weight gain is an issue and can't be avoided. There are other side efftects, but she will be tested about once a month to check her liver. So any side effects related to her liver will be well monitored.
She can try Depekote, but that also has weight gain and your blood levels need to be checked. It depends on what the doc wants to do.
There are also a few anticovulsants that work for more mild cases. One is Lamictal. Wonderful med with virtually no side effects. There is a slight chance of a life threatening rash, but this can be caught early and is very very rare.
You can have her discuss these options with the doc. It depends on the severity of the disorder.
Good luck to you and your neice!

Hi, J ~

I was on Lithium for almost 2 years. It can have serious side effects, but I never experienced any. It didn't put weight on me, but it made it hard for me to lose it. I had to quit it when I got pregnant. It did me some good for quite a while, though. I'm sorry for your niece's struggles. Bipolar disorder is so hard to live with.

~ R.

I have not experienced this particular drug, although I do have to take prescriptions for a very serious postpartum depression/anxiety/OCD disorder. I have seen people prescribed the incorrect drugs for depression and other mental illnesses, so it is important that she has a doctor recommend a drug that he/she can explain exactly why it's that particular one they feel will be best for your niece.

Having gone through all the treatment for my own problems, I would strongly recommend that she see an actual psychologist and not just a doctor to get a psychiatric evaluation done. Depending on her age, the severity of the disorder, and her medical history, a psychologist would be able to narrow down which drug would fit her best. Don't ever be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

T.

Hi J M,

I have been a Certified Pharmacy Tech for many years now. I have worked in hospitals for about 14 years before becoming a stay at home mom.
In my experience, this drug does wonders for those with bipolar disorder. I have a friend who is bipolar, and she started this med, and it has really helped her a great deal.
Every person's body is different on how it reacts to medications. Therefore, you should be advised to carefully watch, or have your niece's mom/dad watch her closely as she starts this medication. Yes there are some side effects that will occur, but as it states on WebMD (link provided below), the symptoms should go away as her body gets use to the medication. If they don't, then that's when your niece should consult her physician and get put on another medicine.
Lithium is a very potent drug. The toxicity and weight gain, she should carefully watch herself as she starts this drug, and watch what she eats. Make sure she doesn't take any other medicines unless she consults with her doctor first. Even over the counter meds can effect prescription medications.
If I were her, I would try it at least and allow her body get use to the medicine itself before she decides not to take it. Have her ask her doctor or Pharmacist how long it takes for the body to get use to Lithium and the side effects to go away. Remind her once she starts this med, DO NOT stop this med, unless she consults with her doctor first. Stopping this med without proper winging off by her doctor will throw her system in a mess. Have the doctor explain this to her as well.
I have provided a link by WebMD that explains some important issues regarding this medication. She can also consult with her Pharmacist for any questions that she may have regarding this med.
Take care, and best wishes to you all!
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-42-LITHIUM+-+ORAL.aspx?dr...