JustDave4now
06-05-2005, 09:12 PM
Hopefully we have some Lithium people here, I wonder if you have the same experience I have had, on the mediation. I have just started on the low dose, tomorrow I double the dose, go 5 days and double again. I also Take wellbutrin for my depression.
But I have notice a change already, which I though was a bit odd so soon (4 days). I have found my only two symptoms I have come accross, is I am really thirsty and second I am extremely calm and content.
I know that sounds wierd, but I am as about as anti anxiety as you can get. Is there some thing like the Lithium calm effect, or is tempory. OR is this what to expect, its rather pleasant. I am not up or down, but calm and well content.
Maybe as the meds go up, Brain fog will take over like the depakote, I hope not, I like being content. My life has always been a blaze of nerves and worries, up and downs, happies and saddies. Calm feels good.
Did you feel calm and content when you first tried your lithium? does it go away? I wasn't expecting calm, I was expecting, well that drugged feeling you get with depakote.
But I have notice a change already, which I though was a bit odd so soon (4 days). I have found my only two symptoms I have come accross, is I am really thirsty and second I am extremely calm and content.
I know that sounds wierd, but I am as about as anti anxiety as you can get. Is there some thing like the Lithium calm effect, or is tempory. OR is this what to expect, its rather pleasant. I am not up or down, but calm and well content.
Maybe as the meds go up, Brain fog will take over like the depakote, I hope not, I like being content. My life has always been a blaze of nerves and worries, up and downs, happies and saddies. Calm feels good.
Did you feel calm and content when you first tried your lithium? does it go away? I wasn't expecting calm, I was expecting, well that drugged feeling you get with depakote.
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Zbaby
06-05-2005, 11:13 PM
I never had much luck with Lithium, but it sounds like it's working out for you so far.
Thirst is pretty common with meds, and it's lovely when the thirst issue is multiplied the more meds you take. Lithium does require more attention to your body's need for water. Just make sure to have a supply on you at all times -- in the car, at the office, if you go to the park or out in the sun for more than 1/2 hour, etc.
Thirst is pretty common with meds, and it's lovely when the thirst issue is multiplied the more meds you take. Lithium does require more attention to your body's need for water. Just make sure to have a supply on you at all times -- in the car, at the office, if you go to the park or out in the sun for more than 1/2 hour, etc.
Toby706
06-05-2005, 11:34 PM
I have been taking Lithium for several years and it is far better than the Depakote I was started on. The Lithium controls my mood very well, but I do drink alot of water and have developed a slight case of hypothyroidism in the last 2 years.
Hedgehog No 1
06-06-2005, 08:25 AM
Hi Dave,
Check out "...My on line Experiment..." way back in the archives somwhere, for my references to Lithium - and coming off it.
Hedge.
Check out "...My on line Experiment..." way back in the archives somwhere, for my references to Lithium - and coming off it.
Hedge.
goofyafter2
06-06-2005, 04:20 PM
Hey Dave, I am much calmer on it. A lot less angry - that for sure. Hope it works out for you.
JustDave4now
06-06-2005, 05:20 PM
THanks all,
I am cautious, I wanted to see how everyone else felt on it and see what the stages were as they went up. I am still not 100% sold that I need medication to control my moods, now that I know my moods I find it easier to plan around.
I agree with you hedge on some part, I bet being on lithium that long and them comming off caused all kinds of things to wirl, and its always a caution to put something in your body to make your mind act differnt.
But..I have done counciling for 20 years, I have done all I can do with that, its now a blunt tool. Sometimes its not psycology its biology, and if I need the jumpstart, well, then maybe I need to grow up and accept it. Its a learning thing.
I have run into another issue though, I am having a hard time judging my mood. Before when I was doing my mood chart, I could reach down into myself and I knew right away if I was in a happy mood or a sad mood, it was there just lingering under my skin. Now When I do that, I come up empty, I can't put my finger on anything I am feeling. Odd, but I am not in a constant state of happy or a constant state of sad, that is odd for me, I am usually one or the other. Oh i still feel happy when i hear something funny, and sad when I see something upsetting, but it doesn't linger long. Maybe thats what normal feels like, LOL, HMMMMMMM I am not upset or numb, just not happy or sad, kind of in a state of it depends, if that makes sense.
I increase the meds tonight, I will see if this changes that, who knows... I wouldn't mind staying at this dose to be honest, do you have to go up, I kind of like it down here. :)
I am cautious, I wanted to see how everyone else felt on it and see what the stages were as they went up. I am still not 100% sold that I need medication to control my moods, now that I know my moods I find it easier to plan around.
I agree with you hedge on some part, I bet being on lithium that long and them comming off caused all kinds of things to wirl, and its always a caution to put something in your body to make your mind act differnt.
But..I have done counciling for 20 years, I have done all I can do with that, its now a blunt tool. Sometimes its not psycology its biology, and if I need the jumpstart, well, then maybe I need to grow up and accept it. Its a learning thing.
I have run into another issue though, I am having a hard time judging my mood. Before when I was doing my mood chart, I could reach down into myself and I knew right away if I was in a happy mood or a sad mood, it was there just lingering under my skin. Now When I do that, I come up empty, I can't put my finger on anything I am feeling. Odd, but I am not in a constant state of happy or a constant state of sad, that is odd for me, I am usually one or the other. Oh i still feel happy when i hear something funny, and sad when I see something upsetting, but it doesn't linger long. Maybe thats what normal feels like, LOL, HMMMMMMM I am not upset or numb, just not happy or sad, kind of in a state of it depends, if that makes sense.
I increase the meds tonight, I will see if this changes that, who knows... I wouldn't mind staying at this dose to be honest, do you have to go up, I kind of like it down here. :)
Ruth6:11
06-06-2005, 08:13 PM
You're sounding like what they call an "excellent lithium responder".
Lithium acts to lop off the "too highs" and keep the depressions at bay. What's left should be that calmer in the middle range.
I still feel happiness and sadness - but the EXTREMES are not there.
The only time this became a problem for me was when my Dad died. Plenty of grief there, but it was unable to surface past the lithium.
And I really really needed to cry/mourn my father.
Don't laugh, but I found the movie 'Beaches' and that somehow jumpstarted the tears and I was ok and able to reach the grief....
Thirst and trips to the bathroom are really normal side effects that are still better than having manias where you do things you're really embarrassed about later!!
:angel:
Lithium acts to lop off the "too highs" and keep the depressions at bay. What's left should be that calmer in the middle range.
I still feel happiness and sadness - but the EXTREMES are not there.
The only time this became a problem for me was when my Dad died. Plenty of grief there, but it was unable to surface past the lithium.
And I really really needed to cry/mourn my father.
Don't laugh, but I found the movie 'Beaches' and that somehow jumpstarted the tears and I was ok and able to reach the grief....
Thirst and trips to the bathroom are really normal side effects that are still better than having manias where you do things you're really embarrassed about later!!
:angel:
windinmyhair
06-06-2005, 10:36 PM
Lithium isn't that bad for me. I had that nice relaxed/calm feeling when I first started taking it. And, man, was I ever thirsty! I still have to pound water sometimes because it gets bad. I try to keep water with me wherever I go.
jessid
06-09-2005, 01:03 PM
oh the thirst! you started at the same time i did three years ago...the summer!! i think i mentioned in one of my last posts that i had a feeling of "smoothness" about a week after i started taking the lith...like it smoothed out all the rough edges. after a while you won't notice it as much, but it will still be there. :)
JustDave4now
06-09-2005, 09:07 PM
Yea, smoothness, thats a good discription...
Its like I'm Gellin, sorry LOL too much TV
Its rather pleasant, I have upped the dose already, and I haven't noticed any increase in side effects. I hope this next jump on Saturday has the same effect.
Unfortunetly I haven't been feeling well for a few weeks, but that has nothing to do with the Lith, I was sick weeks before i tried it, Stupid tick bite... If anything the lith has helped me deal with it better, and not worry so much.
Whats nice, is it doesn't rob me of my creative side, I am just as creative, but in a mello content way LOL. Very odd, was not expecting this effect at all.
Its like I'm Gellin, sorry LOL too much TV
Its rather pleasant, I have upped the dose already, and I haven't noticed any increase in side effects. I hope this next jump on Saturday has the same effect.
Unfortunetly I haven't been feeling well for a few weeks, but that has nothing to do with the Lith, I was sick weeks before i tried it, Stupid tick bite... If anything the lith has helped me deal with it better, and not worry so much.
Whats nice, is it doesn't rob me of my creative side, I am just as creative, but in a mello content way LOL. Very odd, was not expecting this effect at all.
terrienne
06-09-2005, 10:55 PM
Hopefully we have some Lithium people here, I wonder if you have the same experience I have had, on the mediation. I have just started on the low dose, tomorrow I double the dose, go 5 days and double again. I also Take wellbutrin for my depression.
But I have notice a change already, which I though was a bit odd so soon (4 days). I have found my only two symptoms I have come accross, is I am really thirsty and second I am extremely calm and content.
I know that sounds wierd, but I am as about as anti anxiety as you can get. Is there some thing like the Lithium calm effect, or is tempory. OR is this what to expect, its rather pleasant. I am not up or down, but calm and well content.
Maybe as the meds go up, Brain fog will take over like the depakote, I hope not, I like being content. My life has always been a blaze of nerves and worries, up and downs, happies and saddies. Calm feels good.
Did you feel calm and content when you first tried your lithium? does it go away? I wasn't expecting calm, I was expecting, well that drugged feeling you get with depakote.Hi ! From Gee Gee,
DAVE ! THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL THING !!!!
YES ! I have taken Lithium, and it saved my life ! SO, that's all you need to
know, that it is helping YOU !!!!!!!!
I think you should...,
' CELEBRATE ', CELEBRATE ', DANCE TO THE MUSIC !!!
MAN ! I am soooooo glad to hear that YOU ARE CHILLIN......,
Just keep on CHILLIN and GELLIN........., and then, just keep on
CHILLIN and GELLIN.......,
FORGET ABOUT THE REST OF THE " STUFF " !!!! OKAAAAAAAAAY ???
Dave, You are a very unique person, remember, there is only ONE Dave...,
AND, as we say down south, ' Don't let anybody rain on your parade ! '
AND, If you are being run out of town, get in front of the crowd.........,
and make it look like a Parade ! '
PLease, enjoy this moment in time.....,
Gee Gee
But I have notice a change already, which I though was a bit odd so soon (4 days). I have found my only two symptoms I have come accross, is I am really thirsty and second I am extremely calm and content.
I know that sounds wierd, but I am as about as anti anxiety as you can get. Is there some thing like the Lithium calm effect, or is tempory. OR is this what to expect, its rather pleasant. I am not up or down, but calm and well content.
Maybe as the meds go up, Brain fog will take over like the depakote, I hope not, I like being content. My life has always been a blaze of nerves and worries, up and downs, happies and saddies. Calm feels good.
Did you feel calm and content when you first tried your lithium? does it go away? I wasn't expecting calm, I was expecting, well that drugged feeling you get with depakote.Hi ! From Gee Gee,
DAVE ! THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL THING !!!!
YES ! I have taken Lithium, and it saved my life ! SO, that's all you need to
know, that it is helping YOU !!!!!!!!
I think you should...,
' CELEBRATE ', CELEBRATE ', DANCE TO THE MUSIC !!!
MAN ! I am soooooo glad to hear that YOU ARE CHILLIN......,
Just keep on CHILLIN and GELLIN........., and then, just keep on
CHILLIN and GELLIN.......,
FORGET ABOUT THE REST OF THE " STUFF " !!!! OKAAAAAAAAAY ???
Dave, You are a very unique person, remember, there is only ONE Dave...,
AND, as we say down south, ' Don't let anybody rain on your parade ! '
AND, If you are being run out of town, get in front of the crowd.........,
and make it look like a Parade ! '
PLease, enjoy this moment in time.....,
Gee Gee
hippiesoul
06-10-2005, 12:33 AM
Lithium is a wonderful drug. I have been on it for 4 years, after gaining 110 pounds on Depakote, Dr got a clue and finally switched me. Thirst is normal, I would sometimes drink more than 1 gal of h20 per day. Also be careful of sun exposure, I am very sensative to high temps and burn in the sun in no time at all. Dr says this is normal with lithium. Enjoy it, I do
JustDave4now
06-14-2005, 06:45 PM
Hmmmmmm...
Okay has an issue that doesn't make sense. I went up to the third pill, and things started going down hill. This is what kind of happened.
On one 300 mg pill - felt good, no mood swings, relaxed, no anger. THis happened the very next day, so I must be sensitive.
Waited five days..
On two 300 mg pills- Felt good, no mood swings, very relaxed, no anger, and a strong feeling on contentment.
Waited five days..
On three 300 mg pills- Felt odd, medicated, anger and irritation came back. Had trouble concentration on projects at work, got flustered easy. Mood swings came back a bit, felt sad all of a sudden. Snapped at my son for doing something silly. Don't care for it, not sleeping right, having a hard time waking up.
(had a couple days of this)
Went back to two pills - Felt better, no mood swings, very calm and relaxed depite the fact my allergies were bothering me a bit, and other issues, I was content.
So my question lies, wouldn't 3 pills increase the effect, you would think so. I know i have to be a certain level for a Theraputic effect, says who, not my body it seems.
hmmm, I wish I could understand it better, I am going to call the doc and let him know I don't like three.
Okay has an issue that doesn't make sense. I went up to the third pill, and things started going down hill. This is what kind of happened.
On one 300 mg pill - felt good, no mood swings, relaxed, no anger. THis happened the very next day, so I must be sensitive.
Waited five days..
On two 300 mg pills- Felt good, no mood swings, very relaxed, no anger, and a strong feeling on contentment.
Waited five days..
On three 300 mg pills- Felt odd, medicated, anger and irritation came back. Had trouble concentration on projects at work, got flustered easy. Mood swings came back a bit, felt sad all of a sudden. Snapped at my son for doing something silly. Don't care for it, not sleeping right, having a hard time waking up.
(had a couple days of this)
Went back to two pills - Felt better, no mood swings, very calm and relaxed depite the fact my allergies were bothering me a bit, and other issues, I was content.
So my question lies, wouldn't 3 pills increase the effect, you would think so. I know i have to be a certain level for a Theraputic effect, says who, not my body it seems.
hmmm, I wish I could understand it better, I am going to call the doc and let him know I don't like three.
Ruth6:11
06-14-2005, 08:46 PM
Dave, if you're like most of us you would naturally have pretty OK times for awhile inbetween your manias and depressions.
If you start on a medication when you're in that "plateau" you're still going to feel pretty good. As a regular cycle for a mania or depression kicks in you're going to feel those moods until you're stabilized on the lithium.
At some point you'll balance the therapeutic dosage and the side effects. Very rarely do we ever get a free ride on that.
I've had 20 years of thirst and getting up to go to the bathroom multiple times at night... I've ALSO had 20 years of not ONE mania or depression..
Is IS worth it to me!!
:angel:
If you start on a medication when you're in that "plateau" you're still going to feel pretty good. As a regular cycle for a mania or depression kicks in you're going to feel those moods until you're stabilized on the lithium.
At some point you'll balance the therapeutic dosage and the side effects. Very rarely do we ever get a free ride on that.
I've had 20 years of thirst and getting up to go to the bathroom multiple times at night... I've ALSO had 20 years of not ONE mania or depression..
Is IS worth it to me!!
:angel:
goofyafter2
06-14-2005, 09:51 PM
Hi Dave, I am anxious to hear what your dr had to say. I take 4 a day, 2 in a.m. and 2 in p.m. and I think I am at a good level for me. I have horrible angry spells during my period, but other then that, I am good. Do you take yours spaced out or all at once? Well not spaced out, but spaced out - LOL
JustDave4now
06-14-2005, 10:03 PM
Actually Goofy,
I take all three of mine at night, before I go to bed, to avoid being sleepy. NOt sure if breaking them up might help.
Dave..
I take all three of mine at night, before I go to bed, to avoid being sleepy. NOt sure if breaking them up might help.
Dave..
goofyafter2
06-15-2005, 06:53 AM
I am really not sure either, just wondering. :wave:
jessid
06-15-2005, 12:49 PM
i take all of mine at once, as well. it's not ideal, but i had some compliance issues and my pdoc would rather see me take the medicine all at once than not at all. my only comment on how you are feeling is that it seems that your dr ramped you up quite quickly. then again, he/she is the dr, not me! :)
i hope you feel better asap!!
i hope you feel better asap!!
JustDave4now
06-15-2005, 08:21 PM
Called the Doc, explained how I feel on two pills, and what three does to me and how it kind of hurts things and how I feel about the med.
He told me, If I find relief on two pills, then that must be the magic number and don't sweat it. He told me to take the two, and we will see how it goes but there is no reason I have to take more than I want to if its working and I am happy with the result...
Yea !! :bouncing:
He told me, If I find relief on two pills, then that must be the magic number and don't sweat it. He told me to take the two, and we will see how it goes but there is no reason I have to take more than I want to if its working and I am happy with the result...
Yea !! :bouncing:
goofyafter2
06-15-2005, 08:58 PM
So happy for you Dave, that you found a good dosage and have such a great dr. Hope the happiness continues!
jessid
06-17-2005, 11:07 AM
hey dave...
how are you feeling??
how are you feeling??
JustDave4now
06-17-2005, 11:17 AM
My mood is stable, very calm, content, mood wise. So its looking good. I have been sick lately, so its nice, because it helps me not to get depressed about it. I am sick because of a stupid tick, not the lith, the lith is working out great. At least at this dose and so far.