HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Lithium Questions

Support Forums
>
Bipolar Disorder
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/10/2015 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all- hope you are all fairing well!

I have consulted with my doc a few times now about some of the side effects I am experiencing taking lithium. I am hungry 24/7, not just like drink some extra water or extra protein hungry. I experience cravings, almost as badly as when I was pregnant. My doctor has sited that many of the medications will make me feel hungry and may make me gain weight. She told me to try to eat a lot of healthy foods. She also told me it is a give and take situation. She told me I may become more depressed from the weight gain as a result of the medication and being on the medication may be less of a benefit than to not take it. I have been on lithium for 3 months.

Has anyone had similar experiences with the constant hunger and cravings? I feel kind of at a loss. Eating so much is making me feel kind of depressed. I am stuck because lithium has really helped my moods and my anxiety..but the side effects are really, really rough.
Posted 7/10/2015 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Imlogan,

I had the opposite effect with lithium. It caused such gastrointestinal problems, I was constantly on the toilet, and it caused me to lose my appetite. Lithium side effects were rough with me. It had me down for 3 days feeling as if I had a stomach flu. I stopped the lithium during that time because of its dehydrating effects, and when I returned to it, several days later I started with the stomach flu symptoms again - which cinched the connection between the lithium and the stomach problems. Lithium caused me to lose a bunch of weight in just a few weeks. As well, I couldn't drink enough water to keep myself hydrated while on lithium. Ultimately, I had to stop taking it, though it did help my mood and lessened my anxiety. I understand well about weight gain causing depression. Several ADs caused me to gain a lot of weight, and any positive effects of the ADs was negated by the weight gain, that caused me to be depressed. I am sorry you are having such problems. If the medicine's SEs are causing you such grief, you should tell your doctor and see if there is an alternative to try. Hopefully others here will also comment and provide you with some more useful advice about lithium. - Taygeta
Posted 7/10/2015 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lmlogan,

Welcome to the forum :-)!

I've never use Lithium. Sorry I can be of much help. However, everyone may experience different reactions when using the same meds. I guess our bodies respond differently.

Maybe you can talk to her about a diet and exercise plan? This may help you work on maintaining your weight or even losing any extra you may put on.

I hope you would feel better. Please remember to use your coping skills when you feel depressed. And know that we are here for you.

UA
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply