Lithium is the first recommended treatment for bipolar disorder, but only when you have classic bipolar disorder. Classic bipolar disorder refers to a clear separation of depressive episodes from manic episodes. In several videos, I have defined depression and manic episodes. These videos are included in my playlist for bipolar disorder.
Clean separation means that after one episode, you go back to your baseline until the next. There is no need to have anxiety or lingering depression.
If you are experiencing both mania and depression symptoms at the same moment, lithium is not a good option. This is called bipolar disorder with mixed symptoms. You may experience hyperarousal of mania, where your actions are fastened up. Additionally, you might be impulsive and use poor judgment. This is how I explain mixed mania in detail.
If you have mixed features, an antipsychotic medication such as quetiapine is the best choice. As mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder, we use antipsychotic medication of the second generation.
The one thing lithium does better than any other medication is that it decreases suicidal thoughts. Ketamine is the only medication that can address this issue at the same level. It is used for unipolar depression treatment resistance.
Side effects of lithium
Like other mood stabilizers, lithium can lead to weight gain, tiredness and fuzzy thinking. Long-term Lithium use can lead to side effects. Your thyroid can become dysfunctional and produce insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone.
Your kidneys are the second long-term side effect. As we age, everyone experiences some loss of kidney function. Long-term lithium usage can speed up this process. Diabetes insipidus is another condition that can be caused by lithium use. This is not the same as diabetes mellitus, which causes high blood sugar levels. Insipidus causes your kidney to lose its ability concentrate urine. Insipidus can cause frequent urination, excessive thirst, and even a loss of kidney function.
Even after taking lithium for a few weeks or months, diabetes insipidus may occur. It usually goes away on its own but can sometimes persist in around 25% people. This can sometimes be solved by taking your lithium at bedtime. If the problem persists, it is best to switch to another mood stabilizer. It’s usually reversible if caught early.
If lithium is too concentrated in your blood, it can also cause kidney damage. You can get it to toxic levels, which can cause kidney damage. It is important to check your lithium levels on a regular basis. You also need to ensure that you are hydrated. Watch out for signs of lithium poisoning if you lose a lot of fluid due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Lithium toxicity can be detected early on by tremors, weakening of speech and feeling tired. The toxicity can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. You should seek immediate care if you feel this way.
Make sure your doctor knows that you’re taking lithium. This will allow them to check for drug interactions with other medications. You should also be careful with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like Aleve and Advil if you suffer from pain. This type of medication can raise lithium levels.
What about lithium orotate, though?
This is an over-the-counter version of lithium. This is a lower dosage of lithium than prescription lithium. Prescription versions of lithium citrate and lithium carbonate are available. You are still at risk if you take prescription lithium.
Links to
videosBipolar Playlist />Mixed mania g
You want to learn more about mental health, self-improvement and other topics? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. Click here to subscribe if you don’t wish to miss a video.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this channel is intended for education purposes only and does not constitute specific/personal medical advice. The videos and the answers to questions/comments do not create a doctor-patient relationship. These videos may be helpful for you if you are a patient of your own doctor.
https://adhdadulttreatment.com/bipolar-disorder-when-we-use-lithium/
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