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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Lithium Levels
        
(Message started by: KevinD on Feb 11^th, 2004, 12:31pm)

Title: Lithium Levels
Post by KevinD on Feb 11^th, 2004, 12:31pm

I had my Lithium levels checked and my Neuro reported back, "The lithium level was 0.5 which is at the low end of the therapeutic range.
You can increase to every 8 hours and repeat a level in another week. We need to increase very carefully with this medication."

Is anyone else taking this much Lithium. I apologize but I can not remember if they are 150mg or 300 mg since I am at work. I have not experienced any side effects as of yet. Maybe a litte bit of tingling in my extremities but thats it. My doc increased the dose because I am still getting hit with some attacks, though less often, less severe, and less duration. Does anyone think the increase could put me above the limit? I am hoping not because I am trying to wipe the thing s out completely

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by forgetfulnot on Feb 11^th, 2004, 3:46pm

Hey Kevin, Me and jonny of the board have been taking 900mgs for ten years or so, I would think your fairly safe.

Lee.....

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by kissmyglass on Feb 11^th, 2004, 4:31pm

I take 600mg a day & my neuro says I can easily up it to 900 if I feel I need to...

good Luck!

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by Stevieray on Feb 13^th, 2004, 8:16pm

I am taking 300mg three times a day and all it does to me is make me pee a lot which is good as I have Kidney stones.

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by tbp38 on Feb 16^th, 2004, 9:38pm

HI KEVIN, been taking 300mg lithium twice a day for the last three weeks, i hate it ! makes me feel sick and very tired, also keeps me from falling asleep and gives me a headache.it is hard for me to function so i only take half of a tablet at a time over the course of the day and a full tab a night. doc has also started me on vorapamil once a day. still get clusters at night ..trying to ween me off of sansert

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by Karla on Feb 17^th, 2004, 10:07pm

I took 900 mg of lithium for 2 years. It worked great for me and then one day it quit working. I hope it does wonders for you. If it doesn't do anything for you. Try adding verapamil to it. Start low and work your way up. I was trying 960? mg but got a heart irregularity from it and had to quit taking it. However I know alot of people that take verapamil at this high level. When used with lithium it is suppose to be the best combo around for killing clusters.

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by Jayne on Feb 25^th, 2004, 6:16pm

I am on 450mg per day of Lithium and 540 mg of verapamil and I have been pain free for 2 months because of this combo, so I love it!!!!

Title: Re: Lithium Levels
Post by chris on Feb 25^th, 2004, 11:21pm

Been on 600 to 900 mill. of lithium and 240 of verapamil for 15 months did real well until about 2 months ago. Body built up tolerance and had to take 30 day detox. went to depakote for 30,got nailed for about 20 of those. Now back on lithium and verapamil and cluster free again for a week. Good luck Chris