Posted by med_empowered on March 12, 2005, at 13:36:46
In reply to Lithium poisoning on low dose??, posted by sac on March 12, 2005, at 12:45:30
hey! There are *MANY* factors that can effect lithium levels. How hydrated/dehydrated you are, exposure to heat, other medications, the amount of sodium in your diet (I think the rule is high sodium=low absorption, low sodium=high absorption), your build, genetics, etc. I don't mean to pry, but why Lithium? It is a VERY effective med, of course, but there are alternatives. I personally like Trileptal a lot...there aren't any blood-tests for it. Lamictal is another option that (I believe) is blood-test free. Some docs use just about ANY anti-epileptic as a mood-stabilizer, so some people are taking Keppra, which is supposed to be great in terms of side-effects and, again, I believe is blood-test free. ANYWAY, I guess what I'm saying is that first of all, if you suspect lithium poisoning, please get blood-levels checked. Don't be embarassed or anything--this is your health. Equally important, though, is that you do have mood-stabilizer options that involve less risk and, usually, fewer side-effects. I have had to negotiate with shrinks who suggested lithium right off the bat; I just nicely told them that I don't do blood-tests, so lithium,depakote,and tegretol are out. Sometimes they fight it a little, but I stick to my position, and they work with me. Good luck!
poster:med_empowered
thread:470052
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050312/msgs/470065.html