I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety years ago and was treated with everything from depakote to klonopin and on and on and on. Those days on those meds are gone and my bipolar recently started getting worse. DP and panic attacks came on much harsher than normal. Anyway, I went to the my Psych Today and he prescribed lithium for me. Now, I have been dealing with this problem since the late 70's and no one has ever given me lithium. I guess because they thought I was mainly having major panic attacks and some depression and that seemed like the likely culprit. Anyway, it's day 1 now on lithium and I feel wonderful! I don't feel high or anything. And I know it normally takes a while for lithium to start working but my question is this: has anyone taken lithium and felt like they were absolutely cured? I mean I can't believe it. I have been so miserable for so many years that I am blown away. I was on my way home from work tonight and I swear, every light in the city was more colorful than I've ever seen before. I know your thinking "wow, this guy has lost it" but honestly, I just feel normal as all get out. My vision even seems more clear. Especially at night, which has always been a problem for me. I am so relieved it's unreal. Now, I have been on lamictal, depakote, klonopin, Xanax, and other meds over the years(not all at the same time) and nothing comes close to the way this is working. I hope it's not a fluke and I wake up tomorrow feeling horrible again. Maybe I'm just imagining all this? Anyway, if anyone can relate let me know. Thanks!
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KeysToLife777
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I can only imagine how tough it has been for you! Mu son has bipolar disorder - diagnosed two years ago - and we are going through the cycles with him. He refuses to take the antipsychotics because they make him feel like a zombie. Most everything you hear re lithium is unpleasant so your post gives me a glimmer of hope for my son. I truly hope this treatment continues working for you as it does now. All the best!!!
Hi. I was diagnosed with bipolar 3 yrs ago and put on lithium. I was at in the priory at the time for 5 weeks. Before going into the priory and starting on lithium my ups and downs were horrendous. The lows were so severe at times that I wanted to kill myself. (Tried twice). And the highs well, i thought I could have conquered the world. At times I even had violent outbursts that literally came from nowhere. Since being on lithium everything is so much easier. Don't get me wrong I still have the highs and lows, but they are not to the extreme. Life is so much easier. I've had to have my levels adjusted a few times because my lithium levels weren't right, but it doesn't take long to settle back down. I hope this helps you.
Hi I have asked the same question to Keystolife777 - I may be out on this for anxiety...do you think it may help? I don’t have any mania but can get very angry but really only have extreme anxiety Which is so severe I’m agoraphobic. I’m extremely anxious in and outside of the house. I’m worried if I try it it may make me superficially happy and not feel myself and I’m also worried that I may feel numb. Do you experience any of this? What are your side effects and what were they initially? X
I have been on Lithium for over 20 years, aparte from the regular blood tests which are a nuisance if you go awaiting regularly then yes its brilliant you have no mood swings which means you are stable and therefore able to live your Life to the full. Fantastic you are feeling so good. Rest assured you will continue like this. I am so happy for you😊😊😊
Hi How777, you are not imaging what you are feeling. Even though I have never been on Lithium, I do know several people who have done very well on Lithium when diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. I wish you continued success. Remember one thing and that is to never skip a dose. Take it as your doctor recommended. Good Luck
Has anyone mentioned thirst to you? I ask simply because you may or may not experience an excessive thirst which your psychiatrist will 'treat' with other drugs, sometimes with not only a nugatory effect but a life threatening one. An 'ordinary' (forgive me for that all you psycholites out there) doctor may find excessive thirst as a symptom on consultation a signal to test the blood for glucose readings. If outside the acceptable parameters, 4 to 5, (I haven't yet confined the American way of recording blood glucose levels to memory) then things become distinctly deadly.
That’s really interesting to know. I’m not bipolar but I have extreme anxiety and can’t tolerate antidepressants and my psych thinks because I have extreme anxiety and not mood swings it will help. How are you doing on it now and does it help you with anxiety? Does it lift your mood without it feeling superficial and do you feel numb on it or just your normally self? Please answer I’m desperate for a solution xxxxx
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