1. < Mental Health

Have you experienced any side effects from lithium?

Posted by java_mom @java_mom, Oct 13, 2018

Hi everyone,

I'm just starting lithium (took my first dose 5 minutes ago) and I'm wondering if anyone can share the side effects they've experienced. I took it when I was very ill about 10 years ago but I don't remember much from that period.
I'm starting to have psychotic symptoms and there's some weird manic things going on so that's why my doc started me on it. (That's a whole other post, lol.)

Thanks!

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Ethan McConkey, Moderator | @ethanmcconkey | Oct 14, 2018

Hi @java_mom, this is Ethan one of the moderators on Connect. Here is some more information Lithium and potential side effects: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html

I am tagging @cathy615 and @sallyharper as they have taken lithium and may be able to share what side effects, if any, they've experienced.

As for you @java_mom, you mentioned you took your first dose last night, did you experience any initial side effects?

REPLY
1 reply
java_mom | @java_mom | Oct 14, 2018
In reply to @ethanmcconkey "Hi @java_mom, this is Ethan one of the moderators on Connect. Here is some more information..." + (show)
@ethanmcconkey

Hi @java_mom, this is Ethan one of the moderators on Connect. Here is some more information Lithium and potential side effects: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html

I am tagging @cathy615 and @sallyharper as they have taken lithium and may be able to share what side effects, if any, they've experienced.

As for you @java_mom, you mentioned you took your first dose last night, did you experience any initial side effects?

Jump to this post

Hi Ethan,

Thank you!
I felt ok after taking it, just felt very tired and got a headache. This morning I'm feeling alright; still tired but none of the fogginess or difficulty speaking and walking like I did with risperidone. I'm hoping this medication works and I can tolerate it. The anti-psychotics drugs and I usually don't get along.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Oct 15, 2018

I don't have any experience with Lithium, but a relative of mine does and for her it caused permanent kidney damage after long term use. She is now in stage 4 kidney failure and on dialysis. You could ask your doctor about that as a potential risk.

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Dec 17, 2019
In reply to @java_mom "Hi Ethan, Thank you! I felt ok after taking it, just felt very tired and got..." + (show)
@java_mom

Hi Ethan,

Thank you!
I felt ok after taking it, just felt very tired and got a headache. This morning I'm feeling alright; still tired but none of the fogginess or difficulty speaking and walking like I did with risperidone. I'm hoping this medication works and I can tolerate it. The anti-psychotics drugs and I usually don't get along.

Jump to this post

Hi, @java_mom - wondering how things have gone for you with the lithium? Have you been able to tolerate it?

REPLY
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