Posted by SLS on October 9, 2015, at 4:40:14
In reply to Re: Lithium levels: Really need advice please...., posted by PeterMartin on October 8, 2015, at 20:46:53
> It'll hurt but I'll take 900 until I see my doctor again (if anyone cares).
I totally get that.
I almost walked away from a NIH investigational drug trial when I learned they had me taking high dosages of lithium, too. The investigational drug was actually helping, but the lithium was making me feel worse overall. I was extremely pissed because I told them in advance that lithium makes me feel worse. I worked hard to get the chance at being treated by the NIH, and remained an inpatient for 9 months before they told me about the lithium.
I felt like I was being forced to take poison.
Interestingly, 300 mg/day of lithium is helpful for depression, and I don't get depressive side effects.
Hang in there. It is very hard to do what you are doing. At least you can tell the doctor how bad you are feeling and know that you gave the Li+ a full trial. You will be able to synchronize with your doctor again and have no secrets.
Are you able to communicate with your doctor's office? Even if your doctor doesn't call you back directly, maybe the staff can forward to him your message describing how you feel and what you can do about it. Perhaps the staff will call you back with instructions. I don't know.
I have lied to doctors on a few occasions. It only complicated matters. It will be nice to be able to have a fresh start with your doctor when you see him next.
What is your current diagnosis, and what symptoms is the lithium meant to address? Is mania the main concern? I'm sure you have alternatives.
I see you are thinking about leaving Psycho-Babble for awhile. Perhaps this is for the best, but you might want to think about it for a day or so if your anxiety level will allow it. You can always change your posting name if you like, but then you lose continuity.
Good luck.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1083314
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150929/msgs/1083337.html