Lithium or ?

[Pepsitess]

I have suffered episodes of depression, but this one won't lift . On Velafaxine 150 , previously duloxetine. Dr wants to put me on lithium but l'm terrified. What are other people experiences? Some say it's a wonder drug.

Martine

[Hidden]

I would suggest that you do your homework and research Lithium, thoroughly, before taking it. This way you will be well informed and therefore able to make a wise, for you, decision.

nami.org/About-Mental-Illne...

As far as a Wonder drug, I am not convinced there is such a thing. Knowledge is Power and if you are well informed then you will be able to determine if it is indeed a wonder drug.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck. 🙏🏻

Hopefully other members who have experience with Lithium will reply. 🌿

[Pepsitess in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I've read so much information and still not sure

[Roxylox]

So far l'm finding it a wonder drug. Am on it 6 years problem free so far.

[Hidden in reply to Roxylox]

This is wonderful, Roxylox. I am so glad that you replied. I have never been on any other medication, except for Clonazepam. I did research it before taking it, meds scare me at the best of times, even though I know that they work well for others.

[Roxylox in reply to Hidden]

Of course I cant guarantee it'll do the trick for you , but I would have been sensitive to some other meds , not this one.

[Hidden]

Hi. I have bipolar disorder and Lithium helped me a lot in the past. The thing that's rough about Lithium is you do need to constantly have your blood drawn because too much Lithium can be toxic. Also, you can get dry mouth, you need to drink a lot of water and you can get thirsty easily.

[samack]

There are many more meds to try than lithium. Don't let them talk you into something you're not comfortable with when you research.

[Pepsitess in reply to samack]

They seem to think if l've tried two l'm treatment resistant, hence lithium, but l know there are others. I never get to speak to the psych directly, only through the cpn. I've been looking at private psychs, but they're very expensive.

[samack in reply to Pepsitess]

I am treatment resistant and tried 1000 meds and med combos. Never ever has lithium been suggested. Refuse it and ask for others.

[Pepsitess in reply to samack]

Thanks. May I ask if you've found something that has worked for you?

[samack in reply to Pepsitess]

First of all find another dr. Its been different meds at different times. Usually they try another antidepressant often with abilify

[samack in reply to Pepsitess]

sometimes Lamictal too.If they suspect bipolar then its different ballgame.

[Pepsitess in reply to samack]

Thanks. I want to try others but I can't get past the doctor - just seem to think I'm being deliberately difficult.

[Fruitsofspirit in reply to Pepsitess]

No ur not. U ask to talk to dr.

[ironjohn]

Lithium is hardcore… you won’t wanna do anything.

[Pepsitess in reply to ironjohn]

That's what I fear. Please could you say a little about how it affected you, thanks

[ironjohn in reply to Pepsitess]

Yes I took it for a week or so. It made me very tired , not medicated , almost numb feeling.

We want a quality of life not just an existence, these Dr’s are real quick to give up and jump to a Ned that will make you feel not human.

[Fruitsofspirit in reply to ironjohn]

They give this to kid who hi functions so they can be in school

[ironjohn in reply to Fruitsofspirit]

Are you saying this keeps kids awake and alert ?

[Fruitsofspirit in reply to ironjohn]

No slow them down so they don't act out in class

[Fruitsofspirit in reply to Pepsitess]

Took years ago, got off less then 2 weeks. Felt like I couldn't and wasn't able to do anything.

[Roxylox]

Lithium doesn't have that effect on me. I would say like any other drug, it depends on your dosage.

[TruckersWife4life]

I was once on Velafaxine also it worked for a few months then it stopped. I explained this to my doc and wanted to put me on Valium, I said no is there anything else, she put me on Lamictal 600mg and it does wonders for me and have been on it for 6years. I hope this helps.

[Pepsitess in reply to TruckersWife4life]

Thanks, That's very encouraging.. I have been looking at lamotrigine as an alternative to lithium, but I suspect will have to be quite determined with the dr.

[TruckersWife4life]

I love it and my doc just put on propanol for my anxiety and that has help allot, it makes me tired but for me it's worth it. I'm here anytime for you

[designguy]

You might try doing a psychopharmacological genetic test to find out what meds are best suited for you genetically. Mine was from Genesight and there are other brands, and it was paid for by my insurance. It helped me find out what meds were best for me for depression and anxiety and it also showed me that the meds I was on previously, that weren't working, weren't right for me. I tried one that was on my recommended list (Pristiq) and it has worked well. The test saves a lot of the guess work and trial and error. My psych pharm nurse practitioner provided my test.

[Fruitsofspirit]

Ween off venafax. Very bag withdrawals. I've been on 225mg for year. It does after a while add on. The add abilify to me a little over weekBut for anxiety value in morning and night. Finely all medications working together. I hate having to take meds to maintaining my life. Please be safe. Be praying for you.