Don't want to take Lithium anymore, so I'm stopping. - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Marle1978 · 01-22-2008, 11:15 AM

I know I'm supposed to tell my pdoc when I mess with my meds. I wont see him for 2 weeks and I find I feel better OFF the lithium. I was only on 300 mg once a day, so I cut down to every other day and today it has been two days straight without it. I'm much more energetic, and yes, maybe a bit "hyperish." But I LIKE myself this way. It is way more fun. I will probably come "down" again and get depressed, but I was depressed on lithium anyway. I guess I'll call the pdoc.

Anyone else feel better off lithium than on?

bellablue2 · 01-22-2008, 12:49 PM

Hi: I was on lithium and I DID NOT LIKE IT. I am on Lamitical now and it is a lifesavor. You should try to get on another med because you probably will slip into hyper mania. Believe me sometimes I would rather that as well. The lamitcal really works.

Ask around this site about the differances people feel about both med's
Jeane

Llama · 01-22-2008, 03:53 PM

Hi, I know how you feel. I did not like lithium either. Well, I didn't give it a fair shot I guess. Did you give it at least a month on a therapuetic dose to see whether or not it would have helped? Sometimes initial side effects disappear. I know this happened to me with abilify.

But definitely call your pdoc and let him know. He may just have you try another med instead. Good luck!

IceBoy · 01-22-2008, 04:53 PM

Going down after stopping treatment is often worse than it would have been for someone never taking medicine. You know there is a reason why you are suppose to talk to the doc first.

It has happened many times people feel better for a while when lowering dosage or stop taking it altogether, but usually it doesn't last. Often it has a tragic ending, it wouldn't surprise me if Britney Spears was on medicine and stopped taking them when that evening everybody have heard about.

fineanddandy · 01-23-2008, 01:25 AM

Oh Marle,

I wish there was something I could say to make you rethink this decision!

It's fine for you to want off of the Lithium. But, stopping it without talking to your doc about taking something else is NOT a good idea. Ask me how I know.

I decided last August to decrease my Seroquel dose. Yes, I felt better without the side effects. However, I went manic and it has been next-to-impossible to get myself under control again. I went 4 months without decent sleep. Now, instead of the 2 meds that I felt uncomfortable taking, I am on F_O_U_R (4!!!)!

Worst decision I've ever made. I strongly encourage you to rethink this idea.

Good luck!