New around here -- lithium questions

Hi everyone. I've been on lithium for about 4 months, gradually ramping up, as part of a research study. I'm trying really hard to make it work but it's such a scary process for me -- especially this last ramp up from 900 to 1500mg, which has been just brutal (I'm on day 5 today, so peak blood level). I can remember stuff for about 20 seconds, or until something distracts me, whichever comes first. I am so out of it and tired all the time. Today, I'm starting to feel really depressed. No sign of mania but that's pretty much the only positive thing I can say about it so far. The other doses (600 and 900) were unpleasant to adjust to but not nearly this bad. I feel totally downtrodden and like I want everyone and everything to just leave me alone.

I'd really love to talk to some people who are on 1500mg or higher and are having success -- what side effects disappear with time and which stay? Do you feel blah all the time? I did on 900mg, too. Just... not interested in anything anymore. On 1500 mg I have no feelings at all. I don't love my husband or my kids. I don't care about my work or hobbies. It's awful. I need some hope. On 900 mg, I eventually had no side effects once I adjusted... is there any hope of that?

-Lynore

I don't think my doctor cares about how I am feeling. He doesn't seem to view me as a human being, just a test subject - are my symptoms controlled or not? I could have a blood stump hanging off my arm and he'd be like "side effect. fine. please raise your dose again."

One of the downsides of being in a research study I guess.

But thank you so much for replying. Seriously. I was feeling sad that nobody responded.

drlynore, sometimes the forum is a bit slow during the weekends and holidays. But please know that we are here for you

I too would recommend that you find another doc who you would be comfortable with, and they would listen to you.

UA

an additional med? to compliment the 900mg? yes 1200 would have been much less negligent.