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Lithium side effects

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Posted 3/21/2011 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
My 16 year old son was put on lithium last week for bipolar and has horrible stomach aches and diarrhea. He is shaking. Although he seems more level, these side effects are horrible. We called his dr. and he has reduced the amount, but my son is refusing to take the medicine. Are these common side effects? Do they go away? Are there alternatives to lithium that seem to work? Any info is greatly appreciated.......
Posted 3/21/2011 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
The tremor is a common side effect. I do not know about the stomach pain. Has he had blood tests done yet? That will show if the dose is too high, or if he does not tolerate lithium well.
Posted 3/22/2011 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
We were supposed to go today for the blood tests - he refused to go. He has no faith in any of this anymore....
Posted 3/22/2011 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
He just shot himself in the foot. That would be the way to know if he was on too high of a dose or if he needed a different med.

It takes a long time - sometimes years - to get the right medications. But if left untreated, the disease will progress and it will be more difficult to treat.
Posted 3/22/2011 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
Well, golly, gee, thanks for the encouragement. I am trying the very best I can, but it is hard to drag a 6 foot 16 year old to the dr. He is scared and confused and hurting right now, just like his mom, and we are just learning all of this stuff.
Posted 3/22/2011 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
keep strong. 1 day at a time. bi-polar disorders are tricky at best. so, don't be too hard on yourselves. with compassion, jamie
Posted 3/23/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
hi mjeffwhit,
hopefully by the time you get this, things are better for your son. i was recently put on lithium (weaned off of symbyax). what i understand is that the lithium can cause nausea and vomiting and all of the GI destressers you describe. it is important to stay well hydrated while on lithium as it can do damage to the kidneys. i know what you mean about trying to get a 16 year old to go to the doctor - it is not easy, i am sorry you have to go through this. i know you just want what is best for him. take care.
Posted 3/23/2011 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all who wrote. My son has now been changed to Depakote - he was taken off the lithium, and we are hoping this will help. He has been spiraling downwards - tore up his room today and dumped everything out on the floor from the top bunkbed and dresser, but I have to thank my cat for being what we needed -- she climbed up on the top and was stretching out like she was a queen and he just looked and laughed (after the medicine) - but we were able to get him into the doctor today and he is calmer right now with clonazapam and seroquel tonight - prayers that he will take this and it will work.
Posted 3/24/2011 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
i will pray for him. i used to take Depakote and Seroquel. it didn't work for me, but i know they are good medications. good luck and take care.
Posted 3/24/2011 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks.... he seems much better today - signs of improvement .... I will pray for you, too.
Posted 3/26/2011 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
good news. i am on seroquel, lithium, tegretol and abilify. i do have other dx's as well. but they are helping. (meds) jamie. wishing your son well. keep strong. we are here for you.
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