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Posted 1/10/2010 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
this may be the stupidist question .

is lithium out dated???

what is differene between cymbalta an lithium.

will lithium help with pain?

is lithium easier on the liver? or cymbalta?
Posted 1/10/2010 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi bucci,

no stupid questions. Just remember we're not doctors and can only help so much. You should talk to your doc about these things too.

Lithium is still used very regularly. It's sort of the gold standard of mood stabilizers. I was on it a while earlier this year. It worked great, but made me swell right up. :) It doesn't help with pain.

cymbalta is an anti-depressant, but it is also used for people with chronic pain like fibromyalgia.

I don't know which would be easier on the liver, but with lithium you need regular blood tests. It's potentially harmful to kidneys at toxic levels.

Good luck,
serafena
Posted 1/11/2010 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
I have heard that Lithium may alter the health of the thyroid, therefore, it is possible to be put on thyroid medication.  Some have said that Lithium may cause weight gain.  Can all this be true, and has anyone experienced this?  These side effects led me to discontinue Lithium.  My mother had her thyroid removed with a laser.  She was concerned with her physical health, rather the mental health, and did not go to psychiatrists.  Looking back, my mother, and her father were definitely moody, and intense.  Having said that, part of my condition, I beleive, is hereditary.  I am currently on 200mg Lamotragine (classified as a anticonvulsant).  Certain anticonvulsants are used in place of Lithium.  I have not experienced any adverse effects on Lamotragine.  Lithium may not be as effective for rapid cycling bipolar disorder. 

May all of you stay well.  (((hugs)))

Posted 1/14/2010 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I was on Lithium in the past for about 2 1/2 years. While it did help me with my mood it was not enough and I had to switch to other meds. There are a few things that have to be monitored while being on it, through regular blood work. You have to make sure your levels are not too high or too low to be considered a therapeutic dose. While it is an older med, it has been around for a long time and a lot is known about it. Most pdocs pick lithium cause it has been around for a while and has been proven effective in fighting bipolar disorder. But there are a lot of newer medicines that are proven just as affective. You should discuss all your question/issues with your pdoc before starting any new medicines.

Olivia
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