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Coming off Lithium

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 6/17/2012 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in the process of reducing Lithium after 20 years. Took 900mg for 20 years before taking the decision to tapering slowly. First down to 750mg for 3 months, then 600mg for six months, now been on 450mg for a month. Why? Started to grow nodules on thyroid, had memory problems, slower thoughts, the list goes on.

Be interested in connecting with others who have been on Lithium for a long time and successfully come off with no other medication.

I know my brain my never recover but, could not live with a body that was slowly wasting away due to this drug.

Thoughts? Advise? Learnings?
Posted 6/18/2012 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
I was on lithium at 900 mg/day for 20 years, but had to stop it suddenly when it was found that I'd lost 60% of my kidney function. In the last 8 years, I've been able to stay stable on a low dose of Klonopin (and a lot of self-control). I have managed to keep my full-time job and also work a second part-time job.

It has not been easy, and every day is a challenge, but I've learned strategies to help control my moods. Lithium was very effective for me while I was on it, but if I'd had a better doctor, the kidney damage could have been avoided.

Apparently, according to the research, I'm in a very small minority of people who have discontinued long-term use of lithium without a relapse.
Posted 6/20/2012 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Railey, I hope that you get some more answer's on your question. I am on 1500mg of Lithium and have been for about 7 years. I worry about the negative effects it is having on my mind and body. It is frightening to hear the long term effects that Lithium has had on people.
Good luck and keep posting, I want to know how it is for you and others.
Posted 6/20/2012 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
Railey, thanks for sharing it's great to hear you are managing without lithium. How did you deal with suddenly coming off lithium, did you experience any problems and if so how did you overcome those.

You mention self control, are you approaching life differently now and if so how? Be great to hear,

I have read many articles and books that highlight studies that you have a 51% chance of relapse when suddenly stopping lithium against a 37% chance if you stay on, but if you reduce slowly this drops to 27% of a relapse in the first 3 years.

This is one of the many reasons I have decided to come off, in addition to the high percentage chance of have kidney, thyroid, cardio vascular decease not to mention loss of memory, thought processes or weight gain.

It's going to be a slow gradual process but with the right vitamins and use of mood and scorecards I know I will succeed.

Be great to hear any other success stories and learnings.

Andy
Posted 6/20/2012 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
The chance of staying in remission (off meds) for more than 2 years is less than 10%. I wish I had saved the research. BP is a chronic illness, not a game of willpower.

Yes, strive for remission. Enjoy periods of low or no medication. But don't beat yourself up or feel guilty when symptoms re-occur.
Posted 6/20/2012 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Will power and a positive frame of mind re two very critical elements to achieving many things in life.

The key is to model what you say are the 10%, what made them successful.

There are many success stories out there to learn from. You can only build on success not failure.

You saw the post from Railey, this is obviously a great success story
Posted 6/21/2012 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
Andy, after stopping lithium I had many problems. I had very little support from my family. I could only work a few days a week at first, and had to deal with the fact that my boss now knew I was bipolar and I had to win back his trust that I could do the job. A few months later, I was diagnosed with a serious blood disorder in addition to the kidney disease.

By self-control, I mean that I had to learn ways to deal with stressful situations, especially with people. There was a bully at work who made my life miserable. I had to control my anger because I knew it would be worse if I let him get to me. I also lived next to a neighbour from hell. I did not allow myself to confront her as she was a nasty person who could have made things a lot worse for me. There have been many other stresses over the years that could have jeopardized my stability if I had let myself overreact to them.
Posted 11/24/2014 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,I'm due to start my Lithium wind down on 1st.December(easy to remember?)after tolerating this battery manufacturing poison for more than twenty years.I would not wish to repeat my ordeal again.Thyroid,weight and kidney problems ravage the poor soul on Lithium.Any advice from fellow sufferers please?
Carbamazepine 1000mg
Levothyroxine 125 micro
Mirtazepine 30mg
Priadel 1000mg
Propranolol 40mg
Quetiapine 500mg
Sertraline 100mg
Cheers
Posted 11/25/2014 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ByeByepolar,

Welcome to the forum!

The thread you posted on is old, so I'm starting a new thread for you :-)

UA
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