LadyLee: Why would a doctor put someone with anxiety on Lithium? No other symptoms just anxiety, guilt (dub stuff ya know) No suicidal thoughts, no depression per se????
Lady Lee or anyone that knows about meds w/anxiety
by SheilaM 34 Replies latest jw friends
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stillajwexelder
Weird Shiela -- lithium is one of the most toxic medications -- usually used for traeting Bi-polar disorder - manic depression -- I hve never heard of its use in this manner before
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nobody told me
I am currently on Effexor for anxiety/panic attacks. It has worked very well for me as the "recovery" from Dubville and a divorce was very difficult. I'm not an expert in meds, but it was the second doctor who got me medicated properly. Ask questions of the doc who prescribed them, if your not happy seek a second medical opinion. Whatever you do, don't self medicate yourself, always seek medical advice. If I can be of any assistance to you , feel free to drop me a pm.
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flower
I would question the doc on this for sure. Lithium isnt usually used just for anxiety. Perhaps the doc is thinking there are more symptoms.
Personally I wouldnt take it...
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Lady Lee
Sheila I know very little about meds. But it seems a few others here know about it than me
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blondie
Why would a doctor put someone with anxiety on Lithium? No other symptoms just anxiety, guilt (dub stuff ya know) No suicidal thoughts, no depression per se????
I would check back with the doctor and make sure they are clear about your symptoms. No depression, no suicidal thoughts indicates to me that perhaps they weren't listening carefully when you mentioned that. Lithium is not the first, second, third, or even tenth choice by physicians in my experience in treating anxiety disorders.Lithium is a strong medication, taking up to 6 weeks to be therapeutic, and can have some severe side effects. All for nought if is not effective in your situation.
I looked on www.webmd.com regarding common medications prescribed for anxiety/panic disorders:
Medication Choices (http://my.webmd.com/hw/anxiety_panic_disorders/hw53989.asp)
Medications used most often to treat panic attacks include: 7
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil CR (paroxetine hydrochloride) was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of panic disorder and is a medication that is slowly released into your body.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Medications that are sometimes used to treat panic disorder if other treatment or medications have not worked include:
- Benzodiazepines , such as alprazolam.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) , such as phenelzine sulfate.
Additional Reading
I'm no doctor, but it is important to do research on your symptoms. I like the www.webmd.com site.
Blondie
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gumby
Dammit blondie......quit always hoggin all the damn answers! Now I have nothin to say
Shelia....I do know one other thing.
Lithium is used also for those with bad thyroids. Patty Duke suffered years and years of anxiety....and depression. She discovered Lithium and it changed her entire life around for the good. She however suffered mostly from depression so it may not be the answer for anxiety......but it wouldn't hurt to check it out, as it could be thyroid. Better yet.....get a full blood test and have all your parts checked out and see if your not a quart low on something.
Gumby
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outnfree
My son was diagnosed with panic disorder and put on Paxil for several years (is now off). Several relatives and friends also have panic/anxiety disorders and have been put on Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac as well (Paxil seems to the drug of choice). Only one relative that I know was prescribed Lithium, or more precisely Lithobed, in conjunction with Tegretol, I believe, to alleviate panic AND oppositional defiance disorder.
I agree with the others here that Lithium is not usually the drug of choice for anxiety disorders. I would go back to the doctor for clarification on just what precise diagnosis he feels calls for such a dangerous drug.
outnfree
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SheilaM
Thank you all. Thunder talked to one of his baby sisters yesterday (still a dub) she weighs all of 100 pounds and the Lithium makes her feel weird. He questioned her extensively but her only syptoms is of course the anxiety and guilt that one carries as a cult member. I am shocked that her doctor has been so quick to use lithium. There is no thyroid disorder nothing.
The doctor also didn't start her on the normal course of anti-depressants. We encouraged her to seek other medical care and to try the Seasilver she is having such toxic side effects from the Lithium we thought it might help her to detox.
Thank you all for confirming our doubts and concerns.
As for me I am still off all anti-deppressants taking the SeaSilver and feeling great.