Saturday, June 02, 2012
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone.Try it today!

Friday, July 08, 2011 fattoush asks

Q: I have been diagnosed as bio-polar solely because I got hypomanic on Emsam. So, right now, I am treated mainly with Lithium. My question is, could the Lithium be making me depressed?

I ask because many people around me say I've lost my spunk. Also, my neurologist (after talking to my psychiatrist) has just put me on tricyclics (amitriptyline) for my headaches - 2 weeks now at 50 mgs. Well, I did not flip. In fact, I may be feeling less depressed. The headaches have not improved yet. I am pro-Lithium and think highly of the drug, but I am questioning my diagnosis. I have always been depressed but only hypomanic on the strongest dose of a very strong anti-depressant Emsam. Could the Lithium in calming all highs be robbing me of my joie de vivre?
Answer This
Answers (1)
7/ 8/11 11:15pm

Hi, there.  We're not medical professionals, but I did do a little investigating and depression is listed as a possible side effect of Lithium.  However, it can also be prescribed FOR depression.  If I were you, I would have a serious discussion with your doctor about your diagnosis of bipolar disorder and even get a second opinion if he/she is not willing to explore this with you.  The amitriptyline is probably helping your depression, but I would want to understand more about why your reaction to the Emsam led to the bipolar diagnosis.

 

I hope this was a little helpful, but hope you'll speak with your doctor about this.  Good luck.

Reply
7/ 8/11 11:34pm

Thank you.  I think I'll try and seek a second opinion.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (4165) >
By fattoush— Last Modified: 07/08/11, First Published: 07/08/11