Coming off Lithium cold turkey

[Starrlight]

My doctor told me that because of my lab results I need to go off of Lithium I had been taking 300 mg a day. So as a person with bipolar I’m curious if anyone has any experience going off of Lithium?

[Fearoffear]

My ex-husband had to come off Lithium because it became toxic to his system they said. They put him in Valproic Acid (Depakote). To help the cold turkey. I know it is rough and you sweat with white film which I was told was salt or sodium coming out of your system. Did they recommend any meds to help? He was taking Respiridol also. He had seasonal effective too so in the winter months he had to go to a tanning booth for the light therapy. I hope you feel better soon and they find something else that works for you. Gentle hugs 🤗🤗

[c-mac]

Be very careful going forward. I dropped a medicine due to heart problems and then gradually cycled back and forth, causing me to quit one job without reason and get fired from the next. A real low point in my life, and I didn't have good enough judgment to get back on enough medicine. Make a plan now for keeping yourself stable before you go, literally, insane.

[Hidden]

It's going to be rough, no question. Is he replacing it with something else???

[Florida1959]

I haven’t but wish you all the best, I would imagine slowly? X

[finder1234]

Sorry Starlight yours and mine are two different situations . I take 5 mg of lithium orotate (must be the orotate form) ...from what i have learned it can be very helpful in slowing dementia ...bearing in mind we are all different. I have found that it has helped a lot with RLS ..a very bad thing to have and so common. ..knocked it out about 90 %. you will need to not eat late in evening and particulaly nothing sweet in the evening . As for your going off li it would have to be gradual. All the best.

[finder1234]

Sorry Starrlight but your problem is different to mine.I take lithium orotate only @ 5mg per day as a possible help for dementia that currently kills 1 in 3 i am told. I also found that it reduced my RLS by 95 %. I WOULD RECOMEND THAT YOU REDUCE YOUR LI TYPE SLOWLY. Regards.

[Starrlight in reply to finder1234]

My doctor took me off suddenly from 300 mg to nothing. Maybe that’s why I’m so depressed and anxious suddenly

[Gtyh in reply to Starrlight]

I wonder about the doctor? Would you be able to have a second opinion preferably from a mental health clinic? I hope so as this seems unusual from a laylady only mind you. Wishing you well.

[Starrlight in reply to Gtyh]

Thank you. Well I’ve been off of lithium for a long time now and I’m fine. Thank you so much for caring ❤️

[Covach in reply to Starrlight]

I am looking to taper off from 300 mg Lithobid ER and I am waiting for 150mg to get authorized and located by my insurance and pharmacy. I have a Stage 3 Kidney disease diagnosis as I have been on Lithium consistently for higher doses for over 30 years. I feel afraid but I am pushing through this for my future.

[Gtyh in reply to Starrlight]

Well done!! I’ve been trying to get my psychiatrist to get back to me as my level is 0.5 from 0.8. The only thing I’ve done differently is to take Levi for a slightly under active thyroid. Will keep on trying ! Well done to you though xxx🥰