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[Mums-the-key]

My daughter has been advised to go on lithium instead of olazopine . Does anyone else take lithium and if so what are the differences on this medication .

[Nicolaba]

Hi, I started taking lithium last spring after a brief relapse. I had totally come off of Olanzapine a few months prior to that. I went back on olanzapine briefly and then transitioned to Lithium which I now take daily. Everyone is different but Olanzapine is much more of a sedating drug for me.Since taking lithium I have noticed more of my old self come back and have felt many more emotions (good ones) .

The other big difference on lithium is that you have to be more careful with water intake as well as having regular blood tests. Over a year on I would still say it’s worth it.

[Kazzle]

I have been on lithium for years and also taken Olanzopine to recover from any relapses. Personally lithium works so well for me. I don’t have any side effects and really feel myself - it really doesn’t hold me back at all and I’ve been able to enjoy day to day life. To be honest it’s pretty much my lifeline as would certainly become unwell without it (I have bipolar) so I am very grateful to have found it. Whilst Olanzopine has worked well as an ‘extra’ medication in tough periods I find it very sedating and always pleased just to return to lithium again. Lithium levels are monitored via blood tests every 3-4 months but I’ve just got used to that over the years. I hope your daughter has a positive experience too if that’s the route you decide on.

[Bethsynbod]

My daughter had Pp and now has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She was prescribed lithium to regulate mood swings and she also takes Olanzapine. When she was weaned off the Olanzapine she became ill and resumed taking the tablets.

I think she will remain on this medication long term.

She has a blood test every 3 months to check levels of lithium and also glucose test every 6 months. The lithium does not seem to have any side effects and the intense food craving side effect of olanzapine has disappeared over time.

[Hidden]

Dear Mums-the-key

My daughter suffered ppp over 5 years ago. She was prescribed Olanzapine and Venlafaxine. Although this combination seemed to work relatively well, there was never a time of complete stability and she sadly had regular relapses. A diagnosis of Bipolar was given and Lithium was prescribed alongside the other meds. This was a year ago and the difference in her wellbeing has been amazing. It certainly has been the key to turn things around and very much improve everyday life for her.

I wish your daughter well and hope she will benefit greatly should she decide to take this path.

Kind regards

4mila

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Dear Mums-the-key,

I am so pleased that some mum's who have been diagnosed with BP1 after PPP have found their way of coping in the long run, because at the end it is a chronical condition.

Consultation and advise, involvement with your partner/husband/loved ones, but also research and tuning into your body are the essentials for decission making of treatment.

I probably would have continued my life without anything, if it would not have been for Professor Ian Jones, who diagnosed my BP1. He had advised me to go on a mood stabiliser or lithium. After 7 yrs of extreme sleep deprivation and highs, my partner found it difficult to cope with. Eventually we found a way forward, which suits our life style and where I feel completely in tune with. At the end happiness and keeping health in check is important!

I am taking CBD oil, which has lowered my spectrum and I am starting to do things I never have dreamed of, such as being in front of a group of people twice and speak up about helping mums with mental health challenges in Somerset (I used to be a lecturer, but since PPP I was afraid of crowds and strangers) -I feel I am evolving.

My anxiety is still part of my BP, but I can come out of my shell. I can follow my health condition quite closely as I am participating in "true colours", a research program with Worcester University to monitor my mood symptoms.

Journalising, Reiki, Yoga, daily meditation, volunteering and learning to trust again and making friends are a wonderful experience of life. My big and little man are always supporting my energy, but also help when low moods are hitting my well being. I prefer my mania

I like to be true to myself and others...I love my creativity-I am an artist!