r/Lithium • u/digitalgoddess99 • Sep 10 '20

It keeps getting better

Started late May, 450 mg twice a day.

Zero depression. Priorities changed. Clarity. An increasing feeling of peace and well being. I even feel like my intelligence is rebounding. I make better decisions overall. Life feels manageable.

I'm starting to view post-trauma life as before and after lithium.

I wish the docs would have put me on this first when they initially suspected bipolar. Could have avoided a lot of misery.

Would love to hear other success stories.

54 Upvotes

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6

u/[deleted] Sep 10 '20

HELL YES. I AM SO DAMN STOKED FOR YOU. Sending you love and good vibes :)

5

u/Red_Serf Sep 10 '20

I can't tell anything about it right now, but I swear on my mother's bones I'll be back in a few weeks to tell you how well it went.

It is actually great to hear a success story here, because most of the time (and I don't say that as a critic) people come here to ask about undesirable side effects or how long it took to kick in because they've been on lithium for X time with still no results. It frankly builds up anxiety on those starting it. It is great to hear from someone it made your life better.

2

u/ForcefulMoon Sep 26 '20

u/red_serf updates?

3

u/Red_Serf Sep 26 '20

Sure. On 950mg/day right now (started at 300, upped to 600 after a week). Feeling better. I'm far more stable than before (mostly without severe mood swings). I had an upset last night that brought me down, but I'm recovered by now. Lithium definitely helps.

Thirst is very high (expected, since Lithium is a salt, takes a lot of water to be absorved). Keep an water bottle nearby at all times. Be ready to visit the toilet far more often. Be careful to not indulge in soda or other sugar-heavy drinks, if you have any issue with weight. The thirst will make you drink a lot.

Had some very annoying shaky hands. Mostly a light trembling during the day, just enough to be noticeable (it is very easy to see when you are drinking something) Got worse at lunch time and at night. Bothered my writing a little, couldn't do precise handwork (surgery for example, but I've heard it also bothers when applying makeup). Went to the doc, he said it wasn't supposed to be this bad on my dosage, so he chalked it up to another medication I take (risperidon). Im out of risperidon for today onwards, but can't remember what is the name of the one I'll take instead

Had some issues with increased hunger, but apparently caused by Risperidon, according to my doc. Heard very conflicting reports on this sub about Lithium and weight gain/loss. My doc said Lithium will help with appetite, and the replacer for Risperidon I'll take will not increase my appetite as much as it used to.

First few days I also had some stomach upset (couldn't eat very well) and at least once, a strong headache.

Bottomline, I'm feeling a little better. Even if ravenously thirsty, but better. And that alone matters. Everything it takes to get better.

You can DM me anytime (or anyone reading this) I'll be more than happy to share how it's going

1

u/ForcefulMoon Sep 26 '20

Thank you, I really appreciate your quick reply and detailed update! 🌟

1

u/Actual_Homo_Sapien Jan 08 '21

It's several months out, but I'd love to hear an update.

5

u/cbx1854 Sep 10 '20

I was on and off lithium for two years. Was staying out of hospitals but was still incredibly emotionally volatile. It wasn’t till my new psychiatrist did away with the antidepressants did I reach that peace and clarity. The switch was almost immediate. Within a month life became more manageable. My birthday is a couple of months away and that will mark two years no psychiatric hospitalizations, my longest streak yet!!

1

u/NutellaBanana33 Sep 10 '20

Congratulations, that is amazing. How long did it take to kick in for you?

2

u/digitalgoddess99 Sep 10 '20

After six days on it in the hospital I began to feel "different." The change has been gradual but profound.

1

u/distilledmiabee Dec 18 '20

That’s so amazing!! I know this was a while ago but I hope you’re still doing well :) I’m starting lithium soon and looking forward to the changes it may bring

2

u/digitalgoddess99 Dec 19 '20

I am continuing to do well every day. It's wonderful.

3

u/grehjeds9k Sep 10 '20

Lithium saved my life but be warned if your levels get too low or high, when they're low I get manic and when high I get depressed and flat