Experience with lithium

[krodwell]

I had PP 6 years ago and have continued to struggle mentally since. I have just been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and offered lithium. Anyone any experience of taking it? TIA

[Frankieb Volunteer]

Hi thereI had PP in 2004 and 2007, in 2016 I had a bit if a relapse and went high, then very low, this happened again a year later, I was diagnosed with bipolar and after trying various other meds was offered lithium

For me, it was a life saver, I became much more myself and am able to live a normal life, I haven't noticed any particular side effects, though I have gained weight, but then I'm closer to 50 than 40 and i need to eat less and move more.

In the past few years I have been on it I have had no further episodes.

Happy to chat privately if you prefer

But I would definitely consider it x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello krodwell

Welcome back to the forum. I’m sorry to hear you have struggled mentally following PP six years ago. There are mothers of courage here, just like you, who have been diagnosed bipolar.

I’m sorry I don’t have any experience of taking lithium and had ‘only’ severe depression after PP years ago. If you can see the forum page, next to your post there are Related Posts with shared experiences which might be helpful?

It’s early days since your diagnosis but I wonder if Bipolar UK might be a support at bipolaruk.org/? There is an eCommunity which might be helpful for you to connect with and share experiences.

Take care ... stay safe.

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer]

Hi krodwell

It's always tricky sharing experiences of medications. I always ask people to bear in mind that different meds suit different people. Some people may have mild side effects, some more troublesome side effects and others none at all.

All that said here is my experience with Lithium :-

I had been on various medications for 10 years following my PP. However after my third pregnancy, I was offered Lithium. I have been on it over 13 years now. For me this drug has by far been the best. It smoothes out the highs and lows in a way far superior to any of the other meds I used to take. I have mostly felt like my usual self. I'm perimenopausal now with a heck load of stress so things are a bit wobbly from time to time but still the lithium holds me very well.

Some facts I can tell you of lithium which you may know (I'm presuming you have been given an advice leaflet)

Unlike most meds the dose you take will be worked out by how much med is in your bloodstream. Once this range has been worked out you will stay on that dose.

The amount of lithium in your blood stream can alter if you are dehydrated so drinking plenty is essential.

It can affect kidneys, liver and thyroid. So quarterly blood tests are a must. (Caused hypothyroidism for me but I decided to stick with the lithium and now take a thyroid supplement to replace what my body doesn't make)

It is a non sedating drug but I swear that somehow it helps me sleep better as if I accidently miss a dose I have a restless night. Also until recently I didn't need to use any occasional sleep tablets which was a bonus as with all other previous meds I needed to rely on sleeping tablets whenever I had a high but with the lithium I wasn't getting those big mood fluctuations.

I hope this helps somehow but I would say try not to get confused with others peoples experiences and trust what feels right. Anything you are not happy with voice to your consultant and ask for change if need be

All the best

Teresa x

[Arabella- in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thanks I have bipolar 2 as well and am thinking of changing my medication (am on Olanzapine and Sertraline at present). What a helpful thread. Thanks for sharing x

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to Arabella-]

Hi Arabella,Sorry I missed seeing your reply. Thank you so much. I'm glad you also found it helpful. Bipolar certainly comes with a long learning curve.

I used to be on Olanzapine in the early days but it didn't suit me. It was very good for my depression and moods but a side effect for me was that I literally couldnt stop over eating even during the night when I was half asleep. I put on 4 stone in a year. I called it a day when I woke up with a half eaten jam sandwich on my pillow! That's what I mean about people all responding differently to meds. I do understand that sometimes it a trade off between putting up with certain side effects and staying well but I think its most important to not be afraid of asking to try something else if needed

I hope you find what works for you

Take Care

Teresa x

[Arabella- in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thank you xx

[Pikorua Volunteer in reply to Arabella-]

Hello Arabella, I just seen your message, too. How are you doing?

I wonder how women, who suffered PPP and who live with bipolar are being supported, especially during the Pandemic, where focus has shifted quite drastically, despite mental health struggles being on the increase.

Some good advice throughout this threat, but what it indicates that our lived experiences in receiving care does vary loads, - wonder whether it is a bit of a lottery ticket like the vaccination programme at the moment.

I hope you can talk to your health professionals. Are they available? We continuously change with regards to our needs and should have a voice in order to receive a tailor made meds plan and if, necessary a care plan to improve quality of life.

It gives you a peace of mind, if you can talk to health professionals and trusted friends and maybe journalise about the way you feel on a daily basis. Here you can identify why you may would like to have another option or various options to improve your life quality, if you feel your meds is not suitable anymore. A second opinion is always very useful.

Take good care and you are not on your own, if you feel you would like to talk to women who share compassion, because of similar foot prints

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Hi Teresa I'm really struggling at the moment I'm 55 and have Bipolar and depression , Im just really concerned because I have put on so much weight with the lithium ,that's making me feel worse

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi Lifted,

I'm sorry you are struggling at the moment. How long have you been on Lithium? I know some people find they gain weight on it and others don't. I have gained weight very gradually over the 10+ years I've been taking Lithium, but mostly due to my over eating .

A long time ago, I gained a lot of weight quickly when taking Olanzapine and it upset me greatly. After a year I came off it because of that.

Are you able to book an appointment with your doctor? I think it would best to explain how the extra weight is affecting you and discuss how you might lose weight, and the pro and cons of any medication changes.

This is such a hard time with lockdown. As lockdown lifts are you able to get out to exercise more? I find exercise is good for my mood as well as burning calories. When feeling low it isn't always the best time to change meds as it can be rough going whilst you transition from one medication to another. I am sure with your doctor you will be able to work out a plan of what is best for you

Hope this helps

Take Care

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thankyou for reply , I've been on lithium for 20 years , but my mood is still low and I can't stop crying .

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted

Really sorry to hear that you are struggling with low mood at the moment. We are all living through such challenging times - be gentle with yourself as best you can.

What support do you have from mental health services or your GP at the moment? It sounds like it could be really helpful to get in touch with your team or GP, as both the weight gain and your low mood are hard to cope with. As Teresa says, you may find some gentle exercise helpful - I find when my mood is low, it's hard to motivate myself but often a short walk in nature or just sitting outdoors with a cup of tea or coffee is really good for the soul.

Do keep in touch, there's plenty of support here for you.

Warm wishes

Naomi

[Pikorua Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hello lifted,I will try and talk to you via private chat. x

[lifted in reply to Pikorua]

Wish I could go outdoors but really nervous will try my best

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Afternoon Lifted,Are you feeling any better? Are there any times of the day when you feel better of worse? I try to make sure I dont have too much to do when feeling worse and then just do a few little things I enjoy.

I wish you could go outside too as that is one things that always helps me. Is there any way you could at least sit on a door step to enjoy a bit of sunshine?

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

I will try , I'm back in bed I have suffered with bipolar and depression for 20 yrs I'm ,55 and for the last 5 wks I have been in bed mostly and cannot face doing anything ,not even tidying up .

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

I'm really sorry you are suffering in this episode so much.I hope you have some support around you. Do you have a cpn or anyone from a mental health team that a member of family could ring for you?

Do take care

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

I live with my husband and Daughter , who constantly tell me to snap out of it, and here we go again !! My physchatrist called this morning to say after week may be up the lithium and keep taking velefaxine , I just want my mood to lift and the crying to stop , it's sunshining now, but have curtains closed , it doesn't lift me at all . It takes over my life . It's not because of lockdown I've had it years

[lifted in reply to lifted]

I dread waking up because I know it's still there , everyday is the same I'm crying again now

[Lilybeth Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hello lifted

So sorry you are struggling and have been for a number of years. I don’t have experience of bipolar but know it takes a great deal of courage to function each day.

I had Postpartum Psychosis years ago followed by a severe depression so I understand how draining that can be. Everything was such an effort for a long time. I retreated to bed and remember my sister throwing the covers off and shouting at me to get up and look after my son. Try as I might, I didn’t have the energy.

Besides medication, do you think your psychiatrist might refer you for talking therapy, or is this something you have tried? Forgive my ignorance but have you been in contact with the eCommunity at Bipolar UK, bipoaruk.org/. You have received some good support here already but I just wanted to add I’m thinking of you. Stay safe.

[lifted in reply to Lilybeth]

Thankyou so much for reply , I've never had talking therapy they don't offer it , or it's a long waiting list. I get so overwhelmed and sad , it's the lows I struggle with and it seems to take longer to leave , I'm on the right dose of meds yet I can still blip . Family just say oh you'll be back , but when I'm hear I never think that , depression is so cruel and I can't seem anything happy

[lifted in reply to lifted]

I tried bipolar website ,but couldn't relate to anything

[Lilybeth Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hello lifted

I’m sorry you never had talking therapy which might have been a good outlet for you. Perhaps you could keep a journal of how you feel, so that your care team, at your next review, can see at a glance how you are struggling?

Have you tried mindfulness .... there are videos on YouTube which might help, although I know when you are depressed it’s very hard to motivate yourself. It’s even harder today with restrictions about meeting friends who might be good listeners. Try to take a day at a time .... remember how amazing you are to have come through so much. Stay safe.

[lifted in reply to Lilybeth]

Thankyou so much

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted,It is so very hard when mood sinks so low. I hope that altering your medications might help. I am on exactly the same combination of meds and I too am finding it harder with the perimenopause and life events, so my heart goes out to you.

My bipolar mood is constantly changing so I never seem to be too low for an extended time thankfully.

I do have some times though where I find it too hard to do anything except lay on the sofa. It's really hard to explain to people but it's like all pleasure disappears. On those days sometimes I succumb to the sofa, which doesn't help me but it seems the only comfort at the time. Other days even though I dont want to I can manage to force myself to go do something I normally enjoy. Though it literally feels like wading through treacle. It's very hard. When I have those low times I often need to ask my husband, children or friend to help me by accompanying me with the outdoor things I usually like to do. I don't know why I need that person alongside but it can help me push through as then I feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards.

As Lilybeth suggests with the Bipolaruk.org link I would try searching for things which might work for you.

I'm sure you have tried many things before but it may be worth revisiting some. At the moment I'm concentrating on Yoga and muscle relaxation exercises. Could you write yourself a note, as a promise to yourself, to explore any self care things when your mood lifts?

Keep reminding yourself that it will pass and just do little tasks one at a time for now.

I hope you can sleep and get some rest

Take Care and thinking of you

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thankyou so much

[lifted in reply to lifted]

I'm back in bed , still crying I thought lithium was to help your mood from going low and high

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted

I'm so very sorry that it is so hard at the moment. Depression can be so exhausting, we can forget to be gentle and kind to ourselves. I used to try and say to myself "It's OK to be in bed if that's what my body is telling me I need"

This too shall pass, may you find moments of comfort.

Warmly, Naomi x

[lifted in reply to Naomi_at_app]

Thankyou

[lifted in reply to Naomi_at_app]

Naomi how can I send you a private message I'm not sure what to do

[Ellie_at_APP Partner in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted, it’s Ellie here from APP. I wanted to let you know Naomi Is away now until next week.

I’m so sorry you’re feeling really low. I have struggled with depression after the psychosis, it is so very hard, and i know it’s hard to keep hope that you will feel better, but you really will, this hard time really will pass.

I found writing some positive things at the end of the day helped me. Sometimes it didn’t feel like it but I think it did slowly help. I would write about the smallest things, like a flower I saw or the weather.

Trying to set myself some small tasks to do each day that were achievable helped too though I know there were some days I just wanted to stay in bed and couldn’t manage to do anything.

It’s great you’ve found us. I hope you can reach out to some people around you, and professionals supporting you, if you are really struggling.

Take care, and know that you can write here anytime, about anything.

Ellie x

[lifted in reply to Ellie_at_APP]

Thankyou for reply I just really struggled to get out of bed , I'm still here now

[Ellie_at_APP Partner in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted

I'm so sorry you're struggling to get out of bed. I remember that feeling very strongly.

Can you reach out to your mental health team or doctor to let them know how low you are, and how you are struggling to do anything? Do you have an appointment soon?

I know when you're in it it feels like the feeling will never end, and impossible to get out of, but this feeling won't last, your mood will lift.

Can you perhaps make yourself get up and go for a walk perhaps, with someone else, even if that's the only thing you manage to do? I used to find just getting out and going for a walk, somewhere with some nature if you can, and not a lot of people (like a park?) used to help me a little.

Take care lifted, it's really good you're reaching out on here

Ellie

[lifted in reply to Ellie_at_APP]

Thank you

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted,

Sorry I missed your private message yesterday. I had been thinking of you last night but it was a bit late for me to check my messages.

I hope you are at least feeling no worse. Do you have phone numbers and know who to contact if you don't feel safe?

When do you get to see the doctor about a possible change in dose of your meds?

On days when you are having to stay in bed can you manage to dress even if you do have to go back to bed? I only ask as I know for some with bipolar, who have really bad and long spells of lows, that dressing a mammoth task.

My 16 year old daughter has ME (its a chronic fatigue condition which affects her ability to do things) Dressing tires her greatly but if she can dress she feels better for it afterwards. I am only using this as an example of how something can seem too huge but you may benefit from it. Then you may just feel well enough to do another small task or something for yourself and if you don't then that's ok too.

I do understand what a massive struggle it is and I'm thinking of you

Take care

T x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thankyou I've had my meds altered and just have to wait till they kick in . I have a husband and daughter who are at work .I can't go out because I'm scared. My daughter gets annoyed because I won't try , but my brain is like a fog and very negative

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted,

I hope the altered meds make a difference soon. Its isn't easy battling those negative feelings and thoughts. Is there some TV programme or music you could watch whilst in bed that might lift your mood enough to enable you to move and potter about a bit?

I know all these suggestions seem impossible but just hoping one suggestion might be of some use.

Keep holding on to the fact your meds should help soon and the low mood will eventually pass

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thankyou teresa,

So do I , I can watch tv and concentrate a bit, but my mood and thoughts are still constantly there. I just want to be happy again and do my house and keep every tidy and love my garden seems so far away but hope it will come back soon xx and thankyou

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi Lifted,

I'm glad you can enjoy some programmes on TV. I know what you mean about losing concentration. I'm an expert at half watching things because even though I'm watching my brain keeps going elsewhere.

I'm sure your mood will lift and the weather is improving all the time so when you are well enough you will be able to take pleasure in your garden.

I hope you start on the upward lift soon

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thankyou , will lithium stop my mood going low

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted, I'm no expert on meds so I recommend you speak with your psychiatrist for a better understanding. However as far as I'm aware lithium is a mood stabiliser so helps with both highs and lows. Certainly when I have been a bit hit and miss with my tablets I have dropped into a low. May I ask what dose your venlafaxine is at? as that is an important med for the depressive side of things. How are you today?

T x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

I'm still tearful , yes I'm on 300 gms of venafaxine , and 600 gms of lithium , I just get so frustrated why I have to have both meds when they are both supposed to be for low mood .I have asked the physchatrist every time , but he just says they have suited me in the past so why change

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi lifted,

Please don't worry that the lithium could lower you mood. The increased dose can take a few weeks to take full effect and help you feel better.

Lithium is a mood stabiliser and so it helps lessen the severity of mania but it also helps with the depression too. If you go onto the Mind website and search Bipolar disorder there is some clear information there on different treatments and lithium which you may find useful.

I wish I could draw you a picture on here, as a psychiatrist once made it very clear for me by drawing a graph which explained how the Lithium and Venlafaxine work together.

I hope having your family around on a Sunday helps you a little bit today

Best Wishes

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Thankyou teresa I will check mind out , please could you tell me how they both work it would really help me . I'm so grateful for all your help x

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi Lifted,How are you coping today? Today is my daughters 17th birthday. I didnt have postpartum psychosis when I had her thankfully. I did have it when I had her older brother and it was when I was planning my 2nd pregnancy with my daughter that the consultant told me I had Bipolar. Did you have postpartum pyschosis when you had your daughter? Is this where your journey with bipolar disorder began?

I hope you are hanging on alright today

Teresa x

[lifted in reply to Teresa_K_S]

Hi Teresa , yes I've had a better day today and managed to stay up, Didn't do a lot , had a few weeps, looking round at all the clutter plus hoards of which I have bought that don't need ,due to mania episode.but will tackle that another time, .

No never suffered with depression ever, but then when my Daughter was born 20 yrs ago I had post natal depression, I never had ppp ., but after post natal I stopped my tablets by myself and then was diagnosed with bi polar, ever since x

[lifted in reply to lifted]

Hope she's had a lovely birthday xx

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to lifted]

Hi Lifted,

Yes my daughter has had a lovely birthday thankyou. She has been truly spoilt but she deserves it after another tough year health wise.

I am so glad to hear you had a slightly better day today too. Dont worry over things you have ordered. You can tackle them and send back as you feel able.

I am sorry you suffered postnatal depression and went onto to suffer bipolar. It is not an easy road to travel and affects so many areas of our lives from work to relationships. Most people cannot understand the illness. There are certain people I no longer even try to explain it to.

Keep trying to find your way through the fog.

I'll be thinking of you

Teresa x

[Hannah_at_APP Administrator]

Hi krodwell, sorry to hear that things have been tough since your PP 6 years ago. I hope having a diagnosis and some suggestions for meds/ other support is helpful to you? I had PP after my eldest was born and took lithium as part of my treatment and recovery for 3 years after and in a reducing dose. I don’t take it any more but found it worked well for me and balanced my mood well to help with recovery. As Teresa has mentioned, the blood level checks and additional bits around thyroid, kidney and liver checks were regularly reviewed and checked and that was the main feature of it for me. I only had one “abnormal” result for thyroid which then righted itself (quite unusual I think/ perhaps a blip as thyroid problems are not uncommon and I’ve heard of others needing synthetic thyroxin... my GP put a positive spin on it tho, as “free prescriptions for life” but I didn’t need it in the end!) You’ve had some other experiences shared here and I’m sure others will write too, but I hope some of this is useful. Take care, xx

[runner_mum Volunteer]

Hi krodwell, I hope I can help with some of your questions. I have been on lithium for 15 years, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 when I was 21 and had pp with my second child in 2016.

I have found lithium easy to get on with, I’ve had no side effects and as other posters have mentioned you have routine blood tests every 3 months for lithium level, thyroid, kidney.

After 7 years on lithium I developed an under active thyroid however the endocrinologist at the hospital was unsure if it was caused by lithium because I already have a family history of thyroid issues, so it could of developed for me anyway. It has been easy to manage, just a little tablet everyday and the bonus is I get free prescriptions now!

I think lithium helps me, if I stop taking it I start to wobble so I do notice a difference.

Anything you want to ask just fire away and I can offer my experience. Make sure you have all the information you need from your consultant to make an informed choice

[AlexandraJay Volunteer]

Hello Krodwell,

I was diagnosed with bi polar when I had my first episode of PPP and put on Lithium. I came off it myself and fell pregnant with my son unexpectedly but a blessing as the side effects of taking lithium while pregnant aren't good. I then had another episode of PPP and diagnosed with bi polar again and put on Olanzipine and I took myself off that after 3 months. I was doing somewhat well until this last summer when I had a hypomanic episode unrelated to childbirth and now I take olanzipine and sertraline and desogestrel contraceptive pill so I don't have any hormonal imbalances around menstruation.

The main reason I didn't like lithium was the 3 monthly blood test as I'm quite squeamish but it did work as a mood stabiliser faster than olanzipine.

Hoppe that helps.

Best wishes xxx

[Hidden]

Hi,

I suffered from postpartum psychosis after the birth of my son in 2018. I’ve been on lithium since early 2019 and have had no issues with it and it’s helped me get back to normal.

Hope you feel better soon x

[lillyofthevalley37]

Hi I would just like to point out that alongside your GP s medication you may be interested in the relaxing benefits of natural bio identical progesterone cream, after giving birth progesterone levels drop dramatically progestrrone is a hormone and hormones do seem to play a part in pp and sometimes bipolar disorder Natural progesterone cream can sometimes really hit the spot and I suggest you do your own research into it

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hello Krodwell and to all the other mums with BP and Admin (professional advice/clarification)

so far as I understood for those women with PPP, and who have had a second opinion maybe diagnosed with BP1 not BP2. Even though my symptoms are more like BP2. Could Admin explain, please?

Did you have BP before PPP, dearest Krodwell?

BP has a diverse spectrum and I have been diagnosed with BP1 by professor Ian Jones. The diagnosis has helped my partner tremendously and luckily he has the patience, love and kindness to accept that I wanted to continue with alternative therapy instead of Lithium or mood stabiliser.

I am quite disciplined with yoga and meditation. CBD has eradicated my Insomnia, which I was living with for 7 yrs. In addition I studied art therapy and completed Reiki level 3, initially used for the extension of my toolkit for coping strategies. Life style changes at a therapeutic level is the right choice for me, but remember we are all unique.

OK, with regards to Bipolar.uk. In my opinion it is a great platform for receiving information and guidance, depending on your needs.

Despite my academic background I felt quite lost on there with regards to the online forums as there are tons of topic and led forums. When on a low this has been too overwhelming and I felt like being on a maze, when on their website.

In addition I participated in the monthly support group twice on Bipolar.UK. It was quite an eye opener that I absolutely can not relate to most of the participants. Problems and worries are so diverse when it comes to BP including gender issues and addictions. Thus, I feel that there are plenty of cultural BP hoops, because of the wide spectrum. My cultural identity is definitively with females, who suffered PPP and subsequently continued with this chronical mental health condition.

I hope our lived experience with BP after PPP will help you to connect and you may find somebody you'd like to chat to on a one to one. I think some of the mums have offered. Me, too. Remember you are not on your own!!!

Take good care, times are not easy! x