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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> Lithium Question
        
(Message started by: Jim R on Aug 3^rd, 2005, 4:59pm)

Title: Lithium Question
Post by Jim R on Aug 3^rd, 2005, 4:59pm

For those of you on lithium or who have been on it, what was your dosage in mg./day? I am on 1200 mgs./day and am having breakthrough CH's. At this level, I also feel nauseated and very "detached". My neurologist wants me to go up to 1800 mgs./day if I can tolerate it. I don't know if I can without becoming a nauseated (and probably nauseating!) zombie...

Thanks.

Jim R

Title: Re: Lithium Question
Post by Jonny on Aug 3^rd, 2005, 5:03pm

If the Lith is a problem now why would this idiot want to raise it.

Ask him to drop it to 600 and add 480 Verapamil a day.

That combo kicked the fuck out of the beast for me.

Talk to your doc!!!!

Title: Re: Lithium Question
Post by nani on Aug 3^rd, 2005, 5:12pm

I wasn't able to tolerate more than 300 mgs a day. I also added verapamil and it worked (for awhile anyway). pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Lithium Question
Post by Jim R on Aug 3^rd, 2005, 7:50pm

Already on verapamil 360 mg. and clonidine 0.1 These two were supposed to prevent them CH's and did last year. Now they don't. So went back on lithium, which worked for me a couple of years ago. I went right to the level I was on then 1200 mgs. but am experiencing the same side effects I did back then (but it did work in preventing the CH's). This time it's not completely working as I'm getting the breakthroughs, hence upping the dose (he says my blood level indicates I can take this) to try to totally block them. Everything else I have tried has not worked, so I guess it's my only option. Just worried about the sides is all...

Title: Re: Lithium Question
Post by Gator on Aug 4^th, 2005, 9:23am

Doc tried me on lithium, both immediate release and timed release alone and in conjunction with verapamil. Got up to 1200mg with no side effects - no ch effects, either. :-/

Be careful. Verapamil and Clonidine interact with each other.

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/InteractionResults?drug=&drugList=391&cD=164&cD=391&cD=701&dN=%22Clonidine%22+%22Lithium%22+%22Verapamil%22+&CheckFDA=1

Quote:

VERAPAMIL may interact with CLONIDINE

Both verapamil and clonidine have the ability to decrease blood pressure and alter the rhythm of the heartbeat. When taken together, these effects can be even greater. If verapamil and clonidine must be used at the same time, let your doctor know if you begin to experience excessive weakness or fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, a rapid or otherwise irregular heartbeat, or episodes of fainting. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered major in severity.

Last Updated: December 2003

Title: Re: Lithium Question
Post by Jasmyn on Aug 4^th, 2005, 9:29am

Good luck Jim, hope you find THE combination soon, just hate it when meds don't work!

Hoping you PFDAN's. ;)

Title: Re: Lithium Question
Post by Karla on Aug 4^th, 2005, 6:02pm

I agree with Jonny completely!