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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bipolarspectrum on November 23, 2004, at 10:43:38
Hi,
I've been on lithium 1200 mg for a week now and its causing severe insomnia! I'm surprised because I didnt think lithium was associated with sleep problems... I've been taking it all at night but I began to take the full dose (duralith-long-acting lithium)in the morning but its not helpin! any ideas?
bps
Posted by linkadge on November 23, 2004, at 11:16:05
In reply to LITHIUM causing bad insomnia!!, posted by bipolarspectrum on November 23, 2004, at 10:43:38
That is a rare side effect. Are you sure your blood levels are ok?
Linkadge
Posted by bipolarspectrum on November 23, 2004, at 12:20:55
In reply to Re: LITHIUM causing bad insomnia!!, posted by linkadge on November 23, 2004, at 11:16:05
> That is a rare side effect. Are you sure your blood levels are ok?
>
>
> LinkadgeGreat point linkadge.. I had my blood levels tested today, as well as my thyroid hormones and the other goodies... But I'm only at 1200 mg of duralith, which is the slow release.. it would surprise me if i was high bkuz with regular lithium I had a blood level of 0.4 with 1200 mg...
bps
Posted by linkadge on November 23, 2004, at 13:51:10
In reply to Re: LITHIUM causing bad insomnia!!, posted by bipolarspectrum on November 23, 2004, at 12:20:55
That is strange. I know that lithium can increase the stimulant effects of certain drugs. Are you taking any other medications and/or drinking coffee ??
Linkadge
Posted by bipolarspectrum on November 23, 2004, at 14:06:21
In reply to Re: LITHIUM causing bad insomnia!!, posted by linkadge on November 23, 2004, at 13:51:10
Thanx for the replies Link,
I'm not taking any other drugs... Its very strange, lithium seems to be very activating for me.. this didnt happen with the quick release when i was at 1200 mg.. but this insomnia is happening with the slow release at 1200 mg.. it is perplexing me as well.. i'm thinking about lowering the dose of slow-release and adding lamictal.. but i would like to try lithium monotherapy first but the insomnia is intolerable... oh, i switched from quick to slow release because i found the cognitive side effects much less on slowrelease...
bps
Posted by linkadge on November 23, 2004, at 14:12:06
In reply to Re: LITHIUM causing bad insomnia!!, posted by bipolarspectrum on November 23, 2004, at 14:06:21
I'm on lithium, only 600mg. I was on 1500 at one point of the IR. I did find it a little activating, but I didn't have insomnia.
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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