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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jimmyboy on January 24, 2007, at 10:32:22
Does anyone know how many days at a certain dose you need to reach a steady blood level?
- PS - I have been on Lithium for 3 weeks and it has had a major antidepressant effect, when nothing else has, is this uncommon b/c I always hear people reccommending Lamictal for bipolar depression and saying Lithium is only good for mania prevention..
Posted by Phillipa on January 24, 2007, at 11:21:50
In reply to Lithium - days to reach a steady blood level, posted by Jimmyboy on January 24, 2007, at 10:32:22
Are you bipolar? As lithium used to be the med of choice for both stabalization of mood. Love Phillipa
Posted by Polarbear206 on January 24, 2007, at 12:09:43
In reply to Lithium - days to reach a steady blood level, posted by Jimmyboy on January 24, 2007, at 10:32:22
>
> Does anyone know how many days at a certain dose you need to reach a steady blood level?
>
>
> - PS - I have been on Lithium for 3 weeks and it has had a major antidepressant effect, when nothing else has, is this uncommon b/c I always hear people reccommending Lamictal for bipolar depression and saying Lithium is only good for mania prevention..Dosages vary widely with this drug. Full beneficial drug effects may not be noted for 6-10 days after increases. Blood levels are usually done 1-2 x's a week during initial therapy, and monthly thereafter on blood drawn 8-12 hours after dosage. Serum levels in therapeutic range are 0.4-1.0. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. Many people benifit from Lithium who are not having full blown mania as in BP-I. It is known to be effective and have AD properties. Many people just can't tolerate the side effects when there blood levels are in range. You might be able to stay in a sub-therapeutic range with a decent response if you can't tolerate the side effect. I don't want to scare you or anything. Many people too do very well.
Polarbear
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on January 24, 2007, at 12:18:03
In reply to Re: Lithium - days to reach a steady blood level, posted by Polarbear206 on January 24, 2007, at 12:09:43
Jimmy: That is interesting to hear that Lithium is helping you with you depression since it is supposed to be for bipolar, but I am not surprised. The fact is, every med affects everyone differently. I applaud your doctor for taking an unconventional route, and pray that it continues to help you. My only advice is this: You have got to drink 8 glasses of water per day with Lithium. When people get in trouble with it, it's because they are dehydrated. Michael
Posted by Jimmyboy on January 24, 2007, at 12:28:42
In reply to Re: Lithium - JimmyBoy, posted by UgottaHaveHope on January 24, 2007, at 12:18:03
Well, actually I have been diagnosed with bipolar II. I just can't remember the last time I had hypomania or the like, its always depression... As for side effects, I have had none whatsoever and I am on 900 mg right now. I think some people get bad side effects while some people get none. I took this before and again, had no side effects at all, so I don;t expect that to be a problem. I think exercising regularly and some other supplements have also helped with the anti-depressant effects.
This is the end of the thread.
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