Lithium side effects that linger after discontinuation? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

maverickx12 · 05-07-2009, 05:05 PM

To keep a long story short, my fiance was recently put on Lithium (900mg a day) and after only about 2 weeks, it made her near-toxic and her doctor (a different one than the one who put her on it) took her off of it. Not only that but she was a complete and utter zombie while on it. Towards the end of her course, her left hand started shaking and had been doing it periodically. We were aware that this was one of the side effects. She is now off of Lithium and is on Tegretol, so hopefully Tegretol helps her. And believe me, she has been on EVERYTHING. She actually has been diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder. But in any event---

The problem is, now, her left hand is still shaking off and on after several days of no Lithium. I realize it may be too soon (and i'm making her drink a ton of water) but since i'm paranoid about everything I have been scouring the internet for answers. I know that a doctor is always the best person to answer questions of this nature, but I was hoping some people with similar experiences could ease my (our) mind. Thank you!

dreams in neon · 05-07-2009, 07:20 PM

Many mood stabilizers can cause tremors -- including Tegretol.

Unfortunately, there isn't alot you can do about it except decrease her dosage or switch to a different mood stabilizer like Lamictal.

I have tremors myself because of the Depakote I take. I've been dealing with them for the past 3 years ever since I started taking this med. I'm not happy about the fact that I have this side effect, but for me, it's worth it as long as it helps stabilize my moods and prevents me from having another manic/psychotic episode.

BipolarPrincess · 05-08-2009, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreams in neon

Many mood stabilizers can cause tremors -- including Tegretol.

Unfortunately, there isn't alot you can do about it except decrease her dosage or switch to a different mood stabilizer like Lamictal.

I have tremors myself because of the Depakote I take. I've been dealing with them for the past 3 years ever since I started taking this med. I'm not happy about the fact that I have this side effect, but for me, it's worth it as long as it helps stabilize my moods and prevents me from having another manic/psychotic episode.

I'm going to suggest Lamictal to my pdoc since it helps with depression.

I've also noticed tremors with neurontin - don't like it one bit.

Hey dreams, are you supposed to suggest meds to your pdoc? The therapist I met for the intake told me not to suggest medication and to take what they thought was best. That kind of aggravated me because I *know* myself, and have a pretty good knowledge of drugs and so forth.

irishwriter · 05-08-2009, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BipolarPrincess

I'm going to suggest Lamictal to my pdoc since it helps with depression.

I've also noticed tremors with neurontin - don't like it one bit.

Hey dreams, are you supposed to suggest meds to your pdoc? The therapist I met for the intake told me not to suggest medication and to take what they thought was best. That kind of aggravated me because I *know* myself, and have a pretty good knowledge of drugs and so forth.

hi bp princess, i had fine tremors on lithium and twitching tremors etc on abilify, when i went off the latter i was given kamedrin (don't know what other names this drug has) and it stopped tremors and twitching within a few days. i am now on lamictal and seroquel along with four or five others with no side effects (am losing weight gained on other meds and am able to read again which is great). my pdoc always allows me to make suggestions re: meds, as you say we are the ones who know ourselves and what might suit, particularly if we have been a long time trying and if we are unwilling to accept some side effects. maybe ask your pdoc about this as it does make for a more 'level playing field' to be involved in your own treatment.

iw

irishwriter · 05-08-2009, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverickx12

To keep a long story short, my fiance was recently put on Lithium (900mg a day) and after only about 2 weeks, it made her near-toxic and her doctor (a different one than the one who put her on it) took her off of it. Not only that but she was a complete and utter zombie while on it. Towards the end of her course, her left hand started shaking and had been doing it periodically. We were aware that this was one of the side effects. She is now off of Lithium and is on Tegretol, so hopefully Tegretol helps her. And believe me, she has been on EVERYTHING. She actually has been diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder. But in any event---

The problem is, now, her left hand is still shaking off and on after several days of no Lithium. I realize it may be too soon (and i'm making her drink a ton of water) but since i'm paranoid about everything I have been scouring the internet for answers. I know that a doctor is always the best person to answer questions of this nature, but I was hoping some people with similar experiences could ease my (our) mind. Thank you!

maverick,

i had only fine tremors on lithium which disappeared once i went off it. i did have shaking on abilify and was treated with Kamedrin (maybe you could do a search online as i don't know what else it might be called) which stopped all twitching and shaking withing a few days. worth talking to her pdoc or doc about it. as far as i remember it did take a couple of weeks for tremour to stop after lithium and it has taken til now (since christmas after taking lithium for about a year to no benefit!) to get back my ability to read more than a page or two at a time. i hope you both get the help you need. let us know how you get on.

iw