Quitting Lithium - below therapeutic range
Cold Turkey - 0.0% - 0 votes
Gradually - 100.0% - 1 votes
tovlu
New Member
Joined : Aug 2014
Posts : 1
Posted 8/8/2014 9:55 AM (GMT 0)
My sister talked to her med doctor yesterday and the doctor told her that she can stop taking her lithium cold turkey. I feel like this could potentially have negative side effects. The doctor said that because my sister is below the therapeutic range, the lithium is having no effect right now, and therefor completely going off of it will have no side effects. What the doctor is saying makes sense to me, but I just feel like it's better to ween off it gradually, just to be safe.
She was taking 750mg for about 10 years and a few months ago went down to 600mg because her heart rate was too low (48). Going down to 600mg seemed to have improved her heart rate (now it's around 60), but it also brought her below the therapeutic range. So now the doctor is saying to just go off of it.
Do you agree that she should go down at least somewhat gradually? Or is the doctor right about it having no side effects if she just stops completely?
Posted 8/8/2014 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hello tovlu,
Welcome to the forum!
There are side effects associated with stopping Lithium completely. I know that gradually stopping meds can help reduce these side effects. However, everyone is different and may react or experience different side effects.
There are a variety of factors that are thought to influence one's withdrawal from Lithium. Some include the length of time someone was on this med as well as the dosage they were on.
I've read that Lithium does not contain addictive substances, so there should be no painful withdrawal symptoms. However, discontinuing lithium treatment may cause you to experience more episodes of mania. It is recommended that someone ensure they discuss discontinuation with their doc so that they will be able to provide you an alternative treatment should your manic episodes reappear. Lithium should not be suddenly stopped taking without a doctor's approval. Since the doc approved it for you sister, I would suggest that you monitor her closely. If she experiences any side effects due to this, let her contact her doc to discuss.
I hope you sister will feel better and would not experience any side effects. Keep us updated on how she's doing with stopping the med.
UA