Posted by Cathy (24.92.249.51) on October 09, 1999 at 14:01:18:
In Reply to: Doc has never checked my blood lithium level... posted by bob Judd on October 09, 1999 at 13:38:57:
I questioned my neuro who did not request blood levels when I took lithium. He said that because of the somewhat low dosage (600 mg/day) and the fact I am only on it for 10 weeks or less, he didn't see the necessity. He does check my levels before I am put on the lithium. He did say if I were on it longer than a 3 month period, he would do blood work. I was on it for 8 weeks at the 600 mg. level per day and then took 2 weeks to wean myself off of it. He said if I wanted, he would do the bloodwork anyway. But, I trusted his judgement. I would definitely question your doctor and get his/her rational---from what my neuro told me, I would be requesting (demanding) bloodwork after being on it for 2 1/2 months with no weaning off the lithium. Just to be safe....