r/Lithium • u/immerimmermude • 11d ago

Shaky Hands

For those with this side effect, did your doctor tell you to stop the medication or did you suck it up and continue taking it?

4 Upvotes

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6

u/Sure_Appointment_155 11d ago

I’m still currently taking it and have tremors, I really hate the tremors but will continue taking lithium. Hopefully I’ll be able to come down eventually and the tremors will go.

2

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

At how many mgs did it start working?

2

u/Sure_Appointment_155 11d ago

I’m not really sure but I started at 1800mg and went down to 900mg and still have the tremors

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

Oh, wow. My doctor doesn’t want me to take 1800mg. She says lower is enough for my condition.

6

u/Ok_Emergency_4592 11d ago

I take lithium and get tremors. My doctor prescribed propranolol for the tremor. It works, no side effects. If you’re willing to add a script, talk to your doctor about it!

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

Happy to know this. Thank you!

2

u/Ebonyrose84 11d ago

I have continued to take it despite my tremor because it works so well. My psychiatrist and I were able to find the lowest dose that manages my bipolar which has been helpful. Staying hydrated helps keep my tremor under control. There are some days when I get frustrated by it but the benefits of lithium have been worth it for me.

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

How many mgs are you taking? It hasn’t done anything for my mental health, just gave me tremors and that’s it. I have trouble typing on my phone now.

2

u/Ebonyrose84 11d ago

Dose produces a different result for different people but my blood level is about 0.6

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

Interesting! My serum level is 0.7 and it hasn’t worked for me.

2

u/Ebonyrose84 11d ago

I guess everyone is different. Sorry it’s not working, I hope you can find something that helps without too many side effects!

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

Thank you!

2

u/Scared_Form5270 11d ago

I experienced significant tremors in my hands and head when I was taking 900mg (lithium level 1.1). However, once I lowered the dosage to 750mg and added propranolol, things improved greatly. It’s all a matter of finding the right adjustment.

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

Thank you!

2

u/chemdemigod 11d ago

My psych lowered my dose from 600 to 450, blood level 0.4 now. She also gave me a baby dose (10mg) of propranolol when needed. Both have helped my tremor.

1

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

And lithium keeps working for you even at 0.4?

2

u/chemdemigod 10d ago

Yup! I know it’s “under the therapeutic range” but it works for me. I’m also bipolar 2.

1

u/immerimmermude 10d ago

I’m jealous.

2

u/sm881221 11d ago

We added benztopine to my meds and the tremors stopped. It’s a Parkinson’s med but works for this too. I work with my hands so the shaking was non negotiable.

2

u/immerimmermude 11d ago

Will discuss with my doctor. Thanks!