Lithium, Lamictal, Hypothyroidism - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

KimberlyV · 06-01-2004, 06:32 PM

I am looking for anyone who is taking Lamictal or lithium and has had thyroid problems. My dr. has recently prescribed Lamictal and Lithium for me, but I have heard it could be bad with thyroid problems. Also, are these drugs safe when using tanning beds? Please let me know ANY experiences, (good or bad) that any of you may have had. Thank you!

ArkieGurl04 · 06-01-2004, 07:18 PM

I was taking lithium for almost 2-3 yrs and I never had any bad side effects except for getting nauseated if taking the meds on an empty stomach. Tanning beds are just fine when taking lithium....I tanned also. Hope I could have been of some help....
Whitney

Nyxie · 06-02-2004, 04:05 PM

hey kimberly
i used to be on lithium for years and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago. within a cple months i had gained about 60 lbs. i also have a "lithium induced" goiter. i don't know many details on this.
went off the lithium..now i've lost 40 lbs.
i'm still on lamictal though

bluelady · 06-03-2004, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimberlyV

I am looking for anyone who is taking Lamictal or lithium and has had thyroid problems. My dr. has recently prescribed Lamictal and Lithium for me, but I have heard it could be bad with thyroid problems. Also, are these drugs safe when using tanning beds? Please let me know ANY experiences, (good or bad) that any of you may have had. Thank you!

I was just diagnosed last week with Bi-polar 2 and I have thyroid disease. I was just prescribed Lamictal but can't start taking it until tomorrow after I have some lab work done. My dr wouldn't give me Lithium because of my thyroid problem. I'd like to hear about anyone with TD and bi-polar myself.

Bluelady

saints614 · 06-07-2004, 01:11 PM

Hi
My name is Deb, and I'm bipolar (rapid cycling, mixed state) and I have thyroid problems.
I have Grave's disease which causes hyperthyroid, I was treated with RAI and am now hypothyropid, I take 175 mcg Levothroid daily.
My psychiatrist put me on a psychotropic cocktail consisting of welbutrin, topamax, zoloft, and buspar. Between her and my other doctor, I'm monitored closely and there's been no need to have any of my meds adjusted in 3 years.
Just like everybody else, healthy or otherwise, I have good stretches and not so good stretches. To think I'm ever going to feel completely well is a bit, delusional.

As for tanning, stay away from it, meds or not your skin will thank you. When your 45 and still look 35 you'll be happy. But I digress.
Thyroid affects bipolar, meds can mess with your thyroid, thyroid affects bipolar. The meds I take have not affected my thyroid.