Recently one of my brothers was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder by a psychiatrist. This has hit me hard emotionally because out of the whole bunch we are the closest. I've always suspected something was up. This man is very brilliant, possibly genius, but yet very caring and understanding. I've noticed the extreme mood swings, but usually it was discussion of the religion that made him flare up and then he'd get real depressed on the way down. I always suspected it was because of our being brought up around the JW religion and his desire to realize his potential but never being able to. Well, the Dr. has suggested a course of treatment including Lithium. I thought I'd ask if anyone here is on Lithium or knows how well this treatment works? Any info from first hand experience would be very much appreciated. I really want to help my bro. TIA
Lithium?
by spoils_useful_habits 21 Replies latest jw friends
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found-my-way
My Aunt was diagnosed 7 years ago, has been on lithium since then, and it keeps her very even keel. I dont know all the side effects, but i do know one: you must drink alot of water because it can make you constipated.
She really appreciates her meds, as she had crazy wild swings before on them...now she can lead a successful and normal life. It doesnt make you sleepy or drugged up. just keeps you balanced. i'll get more info from her and let you know more.
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Abandoned
A close family member has been on lithium for over thirty years. One thing to remember is that lithium is related to sodium and thus can be taxing on the kidneys. It's very good to drink a lot of water. Good luck.
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Hortensia
I lived with a man with bipolar disorder, lived with him for seven years. Lithium kept him very balanced, but he would always get to a point where he felt he didn't need it any more, I think he got bored being on an even keel all the time. Then he would quit taking it and go back to the emotional ups and downs, until it was so difficult that he would go back on the lithium. I was interested that when he was really out of control he would go buy a few cigars and smoke them and feel better. Later on I read in a government report on nutrients that tobacco is a good source of lithium. Self-medicating, I guess. Would have been better if he just stayed on the med, but he just couldn't believe he had to take it all the time.
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P&C
This man is very brilliant, possibly genius, but yet very caring and understanding.
Many if not most "bipolar" and "bipolar 2" sufferers... tend to be highly intelligent.
It's almost like a trade off....sadly.
Being out of the bOrg is the first step in the right direction... Getting into a healthy lifestyle...especially with some vigorous physical activity...is a MUST.
The "caring and understanding" part is what the Witnoids will try and exploit... DON'T let 'em. Do research...research and more research... and try not to overanalyze things... hang in there.
Good luck!!!
P&C
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Threestars
The NAMI and the NIMH websites have some great information and discussion groups about different mental/thought disorders and their treatments. You should realize that Lithium has been around a while and is probably the most prescribed med for bipolar, however there are others since some patients don't do well with Lithium. It can cause severe weight gain and also one must beware of Lithium poisoning which can be fatal. My son took Lithium for years (he now takes Abilify and clozaril) and once he was exercising and sweating a lot-- and not drinking enough water--which in turn made the Lithium level in his body increase to near-fatal levels in about half an hour. The first symptom of Lithium poisoning is a metallic taste in the mouth. (Lithium is a metal) It also can cause severe acne. Another commonly prescribed med for bipolar is Depakote. Google Lithium and also go to those sites.
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greendawn
From what I heard Lithium is OK for many people but for some it can have side effects such as thyroid problems, edema and diarrhea. Above all, long term use can cause some kidney damage.
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LittleToe
For some people it is pretty much the only thing that can keep them on an even keel. We prescribe quite a bit of it for our patients. Overdosing on it can be dangerous, though, for all the reasons already mentioned; hence the close monitoring and regular blood tests.
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wozadummy
I'm bi-polar and never been offered Lithium though I've known about it's use for this condition for a long time. Maybe the doctors here don't like to use it much here ,even when hospitalised they usually treat us inmates with normal anti -depression drugs.
Because I've been this way most of the last 40 years I've tried alot of different meds but never Lithium ,maybe I should try and ask my doctors ,but Effexor-XR works pretty good for me now but it is definitely addictive as when you cut down the withdrawals are terrible. I avoid alchohol etc which unfortunately is a weakness for a lot of patients and does'nt mix well with anything.
But my drug of choice is definitely ,what I call auntie V ,Diazapam , mmmmm come and comfort me auntie I'm feeling a little tense ,can you make it go away?