Posted by Squiggles on October 9, 2001, at 11:08:22
In reply to Re: considering switching depakote to lithium?, posted by SLS on October 8, 2001, at 14:16:52
> > > Hi Squiggles,
> > > I would be suprised if they did not have the ER formula in Canada. But of course I have no idea living in the states. But when you have to renew your script, perhaps you should ask you doc then. Can't hurt!
> > >
> > > Now you are quite a veteren of lithium. May I ask, do you ever experience any internal pulsing or a caffeinated feeling (without caffeine)? I feel this energized throbbing in my body, and I just can't seem to find anyone else on Li who experiences this. Do you have any insight on this?
> > > Thanks,
> > > Chloe
> >
> >
> > Chloe please excuse me, I did not reload the
> > messages on Dr. Bob's site and just saw your
> > question:
> >
> > Coffee consumption does have an effect on lithium.
> > If I remember correctly, coffee consumption
> > increases Li levels, here is a link:
>
>
> Hi.
>
> I think it's the other way around.
>
> Generally speaking, one can drink caffeinated beverages as long as the intake remains the same on a daily basis. If you establish your therapeutic blood levels while drinking 10 cups of coffee a day, then they should remain the same as long as you continue to drink the same 10 cups a day. I you were to reduce this to 2 cups a day, the blood-level of lithium would rise, necessitating a reduction in dosagee. I guess caffeine makes you piss out lithium quicker.
>
>
> - Scott______________
Scott,
I think "The Virtual Hospital" is as good an
authoritative guide as you can get on psychiatric
drugs, etc.On the issue, of coffee consumption and lithium;
take a look at the bottom part of this article:'reduction of coffee consumption (form the normal
habit presumably) INCREASES toxic and side effects
of lithium.I understand that you would imagine that you
urinate the lithium out, but keep in mind, that
you may also urinate water, and liquids, it would
act as a diuretic in other words. And as
you probably know diuretics are not good with
lithium because they are dehydrating.Squiggles
http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Psych/Medications/lithium2.html
poster:Squiggles
thread:80073
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/80747.html