Does anyone know what kinds of symptoms are present for toxic lithium levels?
Also, can the lithium balance in one's body be disturbed by things such as excessive exercise (b/c of sweating/dehydration) or changes in water consumption?
I've been feeling ill for several days and wondering if I've messed up my levels somehow.
People who take Lithium are strongly advised to increase their water intake since this med is capable of making one dehydrated.
As far as salt intake is concerned, less salt may cause your Lithium level to rise while more salt may cause it to fall.
I would talk to your pdoc about how much salt you should have in your diet in order to keep your Lithium levels consistent.
By the way, if you do exercise on a regular basis, be sure to drink plenty of water so you don't become dehydrated. Gatorade is another good choice for keeping hydrated.
__________________
Atypical Bipolar I Disorder with Rapid Cycling
Meds:
Depakote 1500mg
Prozac 40mg
Risperdal 1mg titrating to 6mg/day
Klonopin .5mg (2x/day)
Trazodone 100mg or 200mg PRN
Last edited by dreams in neon; 04-24-2009 at 03:33 PM.
Just a thought, Gatorade and other sports drinks have pretty high sodium lvels and might cause the same problems as salt intake.
kat
When I was on Lithium in 1991, my pdoc told me that as long as the amount of Gatorade one drinks isn't excessive, it should not raise salt levels enough to decrease their Lithium level.
__________________
Atypical Bipolar I Disorder with Rapid Cycling
Meds:
Depakote 1500mg
Prozac 40mg
Risperdal 1mg titrating to 6mg/day
Klonopin .5mg (2x/day)
Trazodone 100mg or 200mg PRN
Thanks, Dreams. I wonder if I've let my salt levels get out of whack. My pdoc's only advice about my diet/salt intake was not to change how I'm eating drastically. But my diet is really inconsistent, so I wonder if that is causing my symptoms.
I've also been running a lot lately, and maybe I haven't been rehydrating properly. Maybe I'll get some tasty sports drinks so that I'll be more likely to refuel.
Thanks, Dreams. I wonder if I've let my salt levels get out of whack. My pdoc's only advice about my diet/salt intake was not to change how I'm eating drastically. But my diet is really inconsistent, so I wonder if that is causing my symptoms.
I've also been running a lot lately, and maybe I haven't been rehydrating properly. Maybe I'll get some tasty sports drinks so that I'll be more likely to refuel.
You're welcome!
The fact that you've been running alot could very well be the cause of your symptoms. Try drinking some Gatorade (emphasis on the word some) and see if that helps.
By the way, your pdoc is right about keeping your salt intake the same. Any change in diet (i.e. increase/decrease in salt) can alter your Lithium levels so that they are too high or low.
__________________
Atypical Bipolar I Disorder with Rapid Cycling
Meds:
Depakote 1500mg
Prozac 40mg
Risperdal 1mg titrating to 6mg/day
Klonopin .5mg (2x/day)
Trazodone 100mg or 200mg PRN
Last edited by dreams in neon; 04-24-2009 at 07:29 PM.
