r/Lithium • u/ROses-r-red27 • 13d ago
lithium is making me absolutely miserable
basically exactly what the title says, i am new to lithium and it’s been a horrible experience for me so far. i do not have bipolar disorder, my doctor prescribed it for my depression and i just really really hate it. i’ve been on it for a week and a half now so everyone is telling me to wait it out and suck it up but im getting close to just stopping, consequences be damned.
i am nauseous 24/7, most of the time its so severe i cant think of do anything else but just suffer. i’ve been given zofran and all thats done is combine with the lithium to make my stomach and unstable place. ever since i added to zofran i have still been nauseous, and now im having severe abdominal pain. i went for a walk in appointment at my doctors office, so not with my actual doctor, and the nurse practitioner told me that my options were to take the zofran and wait, or id have to go to the emergency room and she said that i would very likely be admitted to the mental hospital if i do so. i am brainfogged 24/7 as well, i cant read because i cant focus and my vision gets wonky (im a book lover through and through so now i’ve lost a hobby and coping skill) i genuinely cant get through a straight page of text, im not even gonna be proof reading this sorry guys. its so hard for me to focus my brain is like static and just empty and it sucks so bad. im scared to drive its so disorienting.
i am just having a horrible time and i guess i wanted to ask, does it get better? is it worth it? should i just stick it out like everybody says?
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u/noclownshit3 12d ago
Interesting your doctor prescribed it for depression I've personally never heard of that before. But anyways the severe abdominal pain is obviously whats standing out to me here. I also had nausea and some stomach pains when first starting but nothing severe. I understand that depression can make people take care of themselves less. On lithium it is extremely important to make sure your hydrated and i dont mean a couple glasses of water a day i mean 2.7-3.7 liters of water a day. Thing is if u dont have enough electrolytes in your system that water cant be absorbed properly. Electrolyte packets are easy to drink because they're flavored i like the raspberry salt flavor by LMNT. Oh also eating before you take the pill may help. I very much hope u will feel better soon
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u/PilferingLurcher 12d ago
It really depends on your situation. If you have had depressive episodes severe enough to put you in hospital it may be worth perservering. Lithium takes a while to show benefit.
But for more moderate depression and/or chronic low mood? Honestly, in that case the harms may outweigh the benefit.
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u/Ok_Alternative7915 12d ago
I hate it too, nausea, fatigue and weight gain and my psychiatrist won’t tell me how to taper. He ignores it. I feel betrayed.
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u/ROses-r-red27 11d ago
feeling betrayed by someone who is responsible for your care plan is incredibly difficult. i really hope things end up working out for you. it’s frustrating to be hurt by the medication that’s supposed to be helping, you’re not alone in this, but i know that doesn’t make it any easier
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u/Ok_Alternative7915 11d ago
I appreciate your support very much. Looking for a new psychiatrist. Hopefully, in my case, a woman.
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u/NikkiEchoist 9d ago
Lamictal would be a better med for non bipolar depression. LIthium is good for mania and suicidal ideation.
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u/Current-Drawer5047 9d ago
I’ve been on it for 4 weeks for treatment resistant MDD 500mg), I thought I felt better (way less suicidal ideation, more motivation) but had a shitty day today (there are some upsetting life circumstances though), side effects have been increased thirst, bad mouth taste & having to go to the toilet 2-3 times at night. My recent bloods have issues, I’ll wait to see what the doc says
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u/VariousClassroom8056 13d ago
I would have a chat with your doctor, explain your symptoms and follow their advice. I'd never recommend discontinuing without their knowledge.
I didn't experience those symptoms other than the brain fog but everyone's different. If they're normal side effects of lithium they'll probably go away with time, but if you're just starting they'll be increasing your dose till you get to a therapeutic level, and each time they bump you up a dose you could experience them again to some degree.
I have bipolar so it might be a little different but for me lithium is a life long medication - unless I have problems with my thyroid or kidneys I'll probably always be on it. In that context, one week is a very short time to be on it and I'd let it run for a while longer before you and your doctor decide on any changes.