Coming off Mood Stabilisers (Lithium)

[WonderWomanUK]

Hi all,

I hope you’re all okay!

I was just wondering if anyone had experience of coming off mood stabilisers (Lithium) at all?

It won’t be happening for me just yet, but just interested in people’s experiences.

Did any symptoms come back? If so was your dose upped again?

Were your loved ones asked to look out for signs at all?

thanks!

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hello WonderWomanUK, I don't have experience of taking lithium, I am sorry. But I am sure you will find other mums on this forum who have experienced of coming off it.

I take antipsychotic medication as a mood stabiliser. My symptoms did not come back when I have weaned off in the past, I did experience some insomnia for some days, as the antipsychotic had a big sedative effect. The other points you make sound like sensible precautions to have, will the team following you be doing regular checkups on you? I also tried when weaning in the past to try to avoid a time when I was too stressed about work or family life, or when there were many other things happening. It is not always possible, of course, but trying to minimise the variables of what could be going on with me helped me notice any early signs a bit easier.

All the best on your weaning journey. Let us know how you get on, take care,

Maria

[HelenMW Volunteer]

hello Wonder Woman ! What a great name.

My PP was a long time ago but I always want to contribute if relevant

I was on lithium and I remember feeling a bit anxious coming off it. I went away for a weekend and forgot it and worried but I was OK. I also had regular blood tests from a CPN to check levels.

I came off lithium over a three month period and was absolutely fine. I think a close eye was kept on me. I was also on amytripteline and I came off that gradually over a year.

Wishing you well

Helen x

[Survivedwithcolor]

I did take Lithium for a short time. It had many unpleasant side effects for me and I ended up switching to Lamotrigine which I have tolerated better. I still take a low dose of that. I was able to get off all antipsychotics and that has helped me greatly.

You definitely don't want to go off Lithium suddenly, and yes, you should let your loved ones know you're doing it as well as ask them to look out for odd symptoms. Lithium is a serious drug with possibilities of serious complications. I don't remember having any complications from stopping it, possibly because I switched to a different drug. I did have very many withdrawal symptoms from my antipsychotics.