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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Meow on November 22, 2000, at 21:39:24
I stopped taking lithium about 5 days ago because of my frustration over my inability to get adequate med follow. I'm in the public system so switching isn't really an option. This means 7 docs and six case managers in the past 12 months. I haven't had a lithium level done in nine months. I feel like I'm taking a heavy duty drug while I'm out on a limb with absolutely no support. I am diagnosed as mood disorder NOS and have had no problems in two years. At this point, I'm not sure which is worse--the lithium with no follow up or no lithium.
Posted by Sunnely on November 23, 2000, at 20:16:46
In reply to stopped lithium, posted by Meow on November 22, 2000, at 21:39:24
> I stopped taking lithium about 5 days ago because of my frustration over my inability to get adequate med follow. I'm in the public system so switching isn't really an option. This means 7 docs and six case managers in the past 12 months. I haven't had a lithium level done in nine months. I feel like I'm taking a heavy duty drug while I'm out on a limb with absolutely no support. I am diagnosed as mood disorder NOS and have had no problems in two years. At this point, I'm not sure which is worse--the lithium with no follow up or no lithium.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++Hi Meow,
You should not stop the lithium unless advised by your doctor. This can lead to a relapse of your illness. It's a shame that you can't get adequate medication follow up from your clinic.
No lithium level taken at all in 9 months constitutes a poor medical practice. Lithium level should be drawn at the minimum every 6 months. It should be checked immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms with fever, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Also, remember that certain drugs can cause elevation of lithium levels and possible risk of lithium toxicity. Therefore, lithium level should be monitored during this time and the dose adjusted accordingly.
You should also have thyroid and kidney function tests done every 12 months. An electrocardiogram should also be done periodically, more frequent depending on your age and concurrent medical conditions.
For what it's worth, there have been reports of patients who successfully sued their doctors for failing to check lithium levels as recommended.
Posted by pullmarine on November 25, 2000, at 17:29:15
In reply to Re: stopped lithium » Meow, posted by Sunnely on November 23, 2000, at 20:16:46
I know of people who successfully got of lithium, but getting off lithium can throw you into a manic episode (caused by withdrawal), which may very well lead to psychosis. PLease be carefull, and make sure you're well supervised.
In case you go manic and psychotic, it's a good idea to tell pewople how to hamdle it until you get out of it (ie. baby sitters and lots of stuff to keep you busy during these periods.
JOHN
This is the end of the thread.
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