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sammygrl · 11-29-2011, 06:44 PM

Having being diagnosed with bp2, I've just started taking 900mg lithium per day for 5 days so far. A few questions if you don't mind... Thank you in advance for your opinions.

1. How exactly am I supposed to feel? I tend to run hypomanic/hyperthymic in general.

2. Is there any way to preemptively avoid weight gain through iodine or various supplements to enhance the thyroid's function?

3. Does the initial 5 lbs of water/salt weight go away soon??

I'm really eager to level out my mood but AM petrified of weight gain because I have such weight management struggles to begin with. my TSH is currently within a normal range.

THANK YOU!!

Rsky · 12-04-2011, 08:54 AM

Hello Sammygrl,

I have been on lithium for a few months now, starting out at 600mgs and ending at 1200mgs. When I was put on the stuff I was manic at the time, and still felt that for quite a while afterwards. Once I got up to my 1200mg dose I started to calm down, it's not completely calmed down, but I have been told it can take up to 2 years before lithium gets to its full potential...which in the last month I have noticed everything calming down quite a bit...it just takes time.

As for the weight gain, I have gained quite a bit more weight than normal, as I have to eat three times a day now (never did that before) but it's because the pills really effect my stomach, I also feel very dehydrated all the time, so I'm constantly drinking water...but I have noticed that once I gained about 15LBS its stopped...so exercise will help keep it off... but everyday, and it will also help with the moods.

I hope I was some help to you.

Good Luck with everything

-Rsky

sammygrl · 12-07-2011, 08:33 AM

Thank you so much for your input Rsky. I'm so glad lithium is helping you now. Thanks for the input regarding the weight gain. I'm already up a couple pounds after only a week and a half but I'm determined to give it a fair shot. I'm only on 900mg; I hope it is enough! I tend to run rather high as a baseline and it's supposed to "slow me down".

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 12-15-2011, 08:57 AM

Weight gain is somewhat common with lithium. Some evidence points that this may be related in part to the increased thirst the natural salt gives off. If you're drinking a lot more and choosing pop or juice or sugary drinks, this could be partly responsible for the weight gain lithium may cause. If you find you're gaining a great deal of weight, definitely talk to your doctor about trying a different medication. Abilify and Geodon usually don't cause any weight gain, so you may want to mention trying those to your doctor if the lithium doesn't work out for you.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-

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