can underactive thyroid make a difference to lithium bloods as my levels keep rising

[RedApple Administrator]

I know two people who are on lithium and thyroid medication. Both of these people are monitored regularly to make sure that their levels of each are balanced, because the two meds certainly do affect each other.

As I understand it, your GP should be testing both your lithium and thyroid hormone levels at three monthly intervals, and adjusting your doses wherever and whenever necessary.

Perhaps someone with personal experience will be along to comment too.

[Hidden in reply to RedApple]

thanks yes bloods are taken every three months . my lithium levels are within range but I have problems when my levels go above 0.8. my consultant is not being very attentive right now , have not seen him for over 6 months and not getting far with getting to see him any time soon . level was 0.63 in feb now its 0.84 my moods rock bottom , not sleeping even when taking zopiclone . gp faxed him last week to say at the least he needs to talk to me about whats happening but still nothing . I have rung his secretary but not getting far. will keep persisting just wondered if there was a link between the two .

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Hidden]

The June 2013 test results in your previous post (FT4 8.8 and

TSH 28.36 ) are indicating that your thyroid medication dose is far too low. This will be at least partly, if not fully, responsible for the very low mood and sleeping problems you're experiencing.

You stated that your levo has been increased to 75mcg following the last test, but I suspect that this is still too low and you will need to be taking at least 100mcg to get your TSH and FT4 where they need to be. Your GP needs to focus on getting thyroid hormone levels sorted, and then the lithium can be balanced accordingly.

[Hidden in reply to RedApple]

thank you for your reply , everyones advice on here has been of great help