Questions about Lithium

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Thu, February 19, 2009

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This is a sundress that I sewed. Sewing helps to keep me sane.

I just started taking Lithium a month ago and I have a few questions about it. I know about side effects and so far I have none, thank goodness.

Is Lithium for depression AND mania? Or is it only for depression? Does anyone know how it works?

My depression is slowly improving, and I have not had any manic episodes since I started Lithium. But I'm just wondering how one drug can do both, if that is what Lithium does...

Thanks for responding!

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tabby

2/19/09 8:31am

I'm glad to read that your depression is lifting and your mania is subsiding. Perhaps some leveling is occuring and I know that feels good in comparison to one or the other. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya. I know you have been struggling quite a bit these last few months.

Lithium... I take it from time to time. It was explained to me for mania. However, I was also told that it also helps for some folks with suicidal impulsivity caused by ideations. It is the first & oldest sole drug purely for Bipolar out there.

I take it - for the mixed episodes I get (mania/depression @ same time) cause when I'm "mixing" and it gets bad... suicidal impulsivity is a real danger for me. So, pdoc & I, return to it. It brings down the mania part and lifts up the suicidal end - so, there might be some anti-depressant qualities in there as well, don't know.

I have a high medication sensitivity issue so me & my pdoc have to work kinda carefully with what I take & when. This causes issues with other MDs cause they don't "understand" and want to throw other meds into the mix which may or may not go well... but, I digress... sorry

If you have any questions about any of your meds... talking with the pdoc or your local pharmacist isn't bad - especially about side effects. Yet, if you are just curious & kicking the can down the street kinda thing... there are books & the internet med sites.

LifeontheIsland

2/19/09 1:24pm

Tabby,

Thanks so much for your responce! It gave me a better view on Lithium and what it is used for in BP's.

~Cathy

Rosebud

2/19/09 9:15am

It's a mood stabilizer. Has a good track record. Glad it's working for you. Adorable dress. You are really talented. Keeping busy really helps. My doctor calls it "mindFULLness". Stay well and balanced and keep posting cause we're all out here in cyberspace routing for ya!

LifeontheIsland

2/19/09 1:29pm

Rose,

Thank you for your reply and your kind words. I like that term "mindFULLness" because that is how I feel when I keep busy with my sewing... keeping my mind busy so I don't dwell on my mental and physical pain. Thanks for your compliment on the dress. I have many others, and hopefully I will be able to sell my Spring/Summer collection. So far, I've sold two dresses.

~Cathy

Rosebud

2/19/09 3:56pm

Do you sell on e-bay? You should. Your work is beautiful. Hang in. I know life with a MI is a constant battle.

laurinkim

2/19/09 2:58pm

cute dress!!

i take lithium too--

for bipolar.

i hate it