User Reviews for lithium carbonate oral

I dont have violent outburst anymore

I started taking lithium in 1978 after several manic episodes and took it until 1985 (1200 mg/day for 3 yrs, remaining 4 yrs at 900 mg/day), and it had the effect intended. I had no other problems with mania while I was taking it. I did have pretty much all of the side effects: tremors, confusion, sweating, radical weght gain, and so on. I had to be taken off the drug in '85 because it had damaged my kidneys permanently, and at this point in my life the damage appears to be getting worse. I just want to emphasize what's been said a few times in the comments I've read here: keep after your doctor to get you down to the lowest dose that's effective for you and make sure your blood work is done and evaluated regulary. Read More Read Less

Over a year ago, I was started on Lithium. I had my levels checked every six months. About three weeks ago, I had a manic episode despite being on maintenance lithium. In response to the episode, my doctor increased my lithium dosage. I am unable to determine if my return to a normal state was due to the lithium increase or the seroquel that I was started on. However, I do like taking the lithium instead of the alternative anti seizure drugs. With the lithium, I have little to no side effects. The anti seizure drugs made me sleepy all the time and had other side effects. Read More Read Less

If one lives in a very hot climate, be sure to adjust for perspiration. Lithium is still the gold standard. I have taken it for 40 years.

I am Bipolar and i also have IED which is Intermitant Explosive Disorder. I take 900mg of lithium and 250mg of lamictal and i also take Clanazapam im not sure what the dose is! I have been hospitalized once for manic depression! I havenet been on it very long (the lithum that is) i have noticed some side effects like shakeness and confusion! it adds to my Mood disorder and when i have an episode its not very pleasent! But in all im trying to get everything under control cause i dont want to have to go to the hospital again! I was in for a week and i felt so out of place! but being bipolar your brain misfires and you lose control and trust me it sucks! im hopeing the pills help and i can get on with the rest of my life peacefully!Read More Read Less

I've been on Lithium 1200mg, on and off for years for my Bi-Polar Depression. I think it helps some, but I am constantly tired. I am also on Lexapro, Xanex, and Mirtazapine. I am also on diabetic meds that may contribute????

I recently started taking 600 mg lithium per day. I am glad I am taking it. I am not as agitated and angry as I was before. I am a better mom because of it. I was very scared when I was put on it, but don't let fear get in the way of you getting better. It is working for me!

I have been bi-polar for over 30 years and took lithium off and on for most of my life. It helped me through some really bad episodes, but was hard to maintain due to blood tests once a month. Now I am on lamictal and it works wonders with no side effects. Talk to your doctor about other options if lithum is not working for you or the side effects are too hard to take. You do not have to suffer. Don't give up! Bi-polar people are very creative, deep thinkers. You can succeed - - you have to accept your illness and then you can manage it. It's a chemical imbalance --- it's not something that you can "will" away. There is a sun behind those dark clouds. You may not see it now, but it doesn't mean that it's not there. Your brain just can't function well enough to allow your mind to see it. Give your brain what it needs to function properly - - whether it's medication, the right diet, exercise -- come up with a plan with your doctor and figure it out. Don't give up! It took a couple of months for the lamictal and effexor to kick in, but it has been helping me tremendously for the past 2 years. I have been depression-free for over 2 years now and have never felt better! You can too. Read More Read Less

I was on it for only a couple weeks. It altered my taste in food enough for me to lose my appetite and therefore I stopped it.

I did this already!

I've been bipolar manic since adolescence and have been on numerous meds and hospitalizations, this is the only one that works for me along with risperadone and cymbalta plus topomax for the weight gain. I can function and the deep dark depressions arent as black or last as long. I still get some mania but not as high. The only side affects that are still with me are increased thirst and urination and some daytime fatigue. This time I have been on lithium 4 months.

I've been on Lithium 600mg a day for about a year now. I started taking 900mg a day but found that 600mg was sufficient. However, I do struggle with weight gain, loss of sex drive and I seem to be emotionless since I've been on the Lithium. I also take Cymbalta and Xanax with the Lithium. I would certainly recommend Lithium if you can handle the side effects you may experience. I am currently trying to decide if I should try something different. I can no longer stand the loss of sex drive and being virtually emotionless. The weight gain isn't all that great either. But it has been a good drug for me overall.Read More Read Less

Easier transition than with other prescriptions I have been prescribed. Less side-effects

Please see your doctor OFTEN while on this medicine. My levels were not stabil and it really affected how I felt (dizzy, confusion, etc...). When I go to the doctor often to check the blood and adjust the dose, I feel better than I ever have. I have been taking this for about two years.

I tried everything for my BiPolar and finaly broke down and tried the lithium after 3 doctors had sugested it. The Best decision of my life. I and able to function and sustain relationships. Something I have never been able to do b4. In combo with my other meds I can relax and live life while being able to make rational decisions and do the responsible things.

This drug works great for me in the winter, when I get severely depressed. I get some side effects such as weight gain, loss of creativity (I'm a painter) and acne, but during spring/summer/fall I don't have to be on it. You have to really listen to your body and know when you're taking too much and drink a ton of water.

I have been on Lithium for a litle over one year. I also take Lamictal and Zoloft. The only side effect I have is thirst. I took several other medications before starting Lithium. A few of the other drugs didn't help me and with a few I had bad side effects. Lithium has really improved my mind and it keeps me stable. I feel great now.