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What is Lithium like? (For those who have/had Lithium.?

I have been told I should be on Lithium, I was just wondering what it is like, side efects etc.
Posted 8 months ago
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I'm not on it, but here is a list of side effects..


restlessness
fine hand movements that are difficult to control
loss of appetite
stomach pain or bloating
gas
indigestion
weight gain or loss
dry mouth
excessive saliva in the mouth
tongue pain
change in the ability to taste food
swollen lips
acne
hair loss
unusual discomfort in cold temperatures
constipation
depression
joint or muscle pain
thin, brittle fingernails or hair

Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

tiredness
shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
muscle weakness, stiffness, twitching, or tightness
loss of coordination
diarrhea
vomiting
excessive thirst
frequent urination
giddiness
ringing in the ears
slow, jerky movements
movements that are unusual or difficult to control
blackouts
seizures
slurred speech
fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
chest tightness
confusion
hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
crossed eyes
painful, cold, or discolored fingers and toes
headache
pounding noises inside the head
changes in vision
paleness
itching
rash
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Long term use of Lithium, can cause kidney problems, so you will need blood tests regularly, to monitor your health.
Posted 8 months ago

Other 2 Answers to What is Lithium like? (For those who have/had Lithium.?


Posted Mar 10th, 2009 at 11:49AM
I have been on Lithium for 12 years now. I will be completely honest with you! It caused the onset of my Epilepsy 2 years ago. I had been on it for so long. I'm still on it. There is no use in stopping it, the damage is done. I need the Lithium to keep me sane. I have Bipolar II Ultradian Rapid cycling. Without my Lithium, I would be in and out of mental hospitals all the time. The only side effect I have ever had with Lithium is I crave salt. I didn't gain weight, I didn't lose weight. I take a sorta low dose and they keep my levels checked by doing blood test every 6 months.

If I had to suggest Lithium to someone, I would say it's been a life savor for me! I can't live without it!

Meds are different for different people, what works for me, may not work for you.
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Posted Mar 10th, 2009 at 9:45AM
For me, I've been on it for almost a year, since last April, & it's worked wonders. I haven't had any real negative side effects. There's only one &, though unfortunate, is totally worth it compared to the benefits. It's made me gain some weight & is making it incredibly hard to lose it, but again, it's totally worth it. Things are different for all people, so you might not have the same results. Though if it's thought that you should be on lithium, it's worth a try.
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