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Lithium(sp?)

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Posted 5/25/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I'm in the darkest hole possible & can't get out.  Praying, trying everything possible, but, keep coming back to this place.  My pschytriac doc wants me to try lithium to boost the cymblata.  Taking blood tests & ekg to make sure all is good there.  I'm scared, but, nothing else is working.  I'm also going to know this week is a possible cervical fusion surgery is going to be scheduled.  I have a feeling I need it.  On one hand scared to death, but, on the other, if I can get off pain meds which also increase depression, well, it hope to say the least.  Anyone taking lithium?  Please tell me your story.  Thanks. God Bless.
Posted 5/25/2008 1:37 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning and Gentle Hugs to you.  I am so sorry  you are feeling so low.

I do not take Lithium but it is an old, tried and true drug that has helped millions over the years. Lithium, discovered in 1817, was noticed to have mood stabilizing properties in the late 1800s. If it will help you and you are comfortable with it then I would recommend trying it.

What is your dose on the Cymbalta? ( Only if you want to share that dose :)  ) I take Cymbalta and have been as high as 120 mg on my dose but currently back down to 60 mg per day.

I will keep you in my prayers and please know I care.
Kitt

Posted 5/25/2008 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

As Kitt has said, lithium is an older drug. I am not too familiar with it though I read that it is used for manic episodes and bipolar, which is the new name for manic depression.

I am sorry that I am not more help.

hugs, Karen
Posted 5/25/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
thanks you guys for repling.  I'm on 60 of the cymbalta.  I'm going to try it, I have no hope for anything else.  I hate feeling like this.

Posted 5/26/2008 11:45 AM (GMT 0)

Hiya,

Since Lithium is a mood stabaliser, is it more commonly used in Bi-Polar patients than in Depression (As far as I know) so you may get more joy from the BP forum on Lithium. I have not taken it myself but I do know its been around for many, MANY years (As Kitt has said) and is a tried and tested drug. The only down-side is that you have to keep having your bloods done to check the levels (Similar to Warfarin).

Darren

Posted 5/26/2008 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
hello there,

I was passing through and saw your post about Lithium. Yes, as Kitt and Darren said it is mainly used as a mood stabilizer and it has been around and used for a while now. I know where your pdoc is coming from, you said nothing else seems to be working. Your pdoc is looking for other alternatives. The only thing is that Lithium is usually not the med to help with depression, it only helps a small group of people. Most pdocs try Lamictal first, which also has mood stabilizing properties.

Yes, you also would need to get bloodwork done every 2 weeks for a short while, then every months, to every three months. It's not too bad, just annoying in the beginning.

Remember there are a lot of medications out there, you do not have to take anything you feel uncomfortable about. The internet has a lot of resources out there. Here is a link to a site that I found helpful. Best Wishes!

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm#types
Posted 5/26/2008 8:58 PM (GMT 0)

Again, thank you everyone for replying.  I'm so confused on what to do.  I'm wondering why the pdoc doesn't increase the cymbalta?  But, I do know I am very depressed & something has got to change.  I just sit around praying, willing myself to feel better.  I also know taking the narcotic is working against me.  But, unless I have this possible cervical fusion, well, I can't live in pain & there's no guarantee that th surgery will work.  I did receive my acceptance letter from SSDI, not sure on the $ part yet, but, I'm accepted until 2011.  So, I need to get better & stop wasting so much of lifes precious time. 

All of you have made me feel better just by being concerned & showing you care.  I'm very guity of just reading threads & not replying cuz it just takes too much energy to think sometimes cuz my head is so confused/spinning.  I will find out Wed if Im going to have surgery or another epidural shot in the neck.  I don't want to give up so quick, but, the inj only helped a little & of course I want to be fixed NOW.  God Bless

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