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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SheilaC on May 8, 2010, at 9:50:15
I like the lithium so far. It seems to make me feel brighter. Not hyper, but just brighter without feeling manic.
My only concern so far is the diarrhea! Yikes! What do I do? Will this go away?
I hate walking around with a slight tummy ache and diarrhea.
Posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2010, at 11:06:07
In reply to Lithium update / questions..., posted by SheilaC on May 8, 2010, at 9:50:15
Sheila so sorry make sure you get enough liquids and electrolytes. Maybe you doc has something you could take? Glad you are feeling brighter. Love Phillipa
Posted by Toph on May 8, 2010, at 11:13:16
In reply to Lithium update / questions..., posted by SheilaC on May 8, 2010, at 9:50:15
I'm afraid this is almost a universal side affect of the drug. You can work with the problem however. Be sure that you are vigilant about drinking enough water. Diarrhea can dehydrate you as well as not drinking enough fluids. This can concentrate your lithium which exascerbates the problem. Careful in the summer or exercising, sweating does the same thing. That said, you can also go down about 50 mgs trying to stay in a therapeutic level. But don't try this until your body has completely adjusted to the last dosage as it might improve on its own. Frankly, not to be too graphic, but you will always have a slightly loose stool. I have learned to live with this. I do not have continual cramps or anything uncontrollable or explosive. Good news for me, I am a functioning BPI with 35 years of productive married professional life with only one relapse when my mother died last year. Thank God for the simple salt. I hope you find a mood stabilizer that works for you Shiela.
Posted by desolationrower on May 9, 2010, at 0:35:53
In reply to Re: Lithium update / questions... » SheilaC, posted by Toph on May 8, 2010, at 11:13:16
Fibre, probably soluble (legumes, oats, broccoli) though insoluble might help too
-d/r
Posted by desolationrower on May 9, 2010, at 0:37:17
In reply to Re: Lithium update / questions... » SheilaC, posted by Toph on May 8, 2010, at 11:13:16
oh, soluble fibre also increases mineral absorbsion, so another reason its a good idea to do consistantly with lithium
-d/r
Posted by Dan_MI on May 9, 2010, at 13:33:44
In reply to Lithium update / questions..., posted by SheilaC on May 8, 2010, at 9:50:15
The upset tummy is caused by low blood sugar, caused by lithium. In me, the tummy ache morphs into a sneeze, and then it's gone.
I recommend getting glucose tablets for diabetics to pop when you get the nausea. And it *will* go away with time.
Posted by desolationrower on May 9, 2010, at 20:39:59
In reply to Re: Lithium update / questions..., posted by Dan_MI on May 9, 2010, at 13:33:44
Lithium interacts with 5ht receptors and synthesis i think. I wonder if a 5ht3 antagonist would help? Ginger is a good one if you want something overthe counter
-d/r
Posted by nauscopy on May 14, 2010, at 22:39:40
In reply to Lithium update / questions..., posted by SheilaC on May 8, 2010, at 9:50:15
For me the diarrhea got better after a couple of months. The increased thirst/urination has continued though.
I'm glad you feel brighter. I feel dimmer, I suppose, but more at peace and more able to maintain focus.
Posted by Deneb on May 27, 2010, at 21:11:39
In reply to Re: Lithium update / questions..., posted by nauscopy on May 14, 2010, at 22:39:40
Hello nauscopy!
Welcome to Psycho-Babble!
Thanks for sharing your experiences with lithium. Does the increased thirst and urination bother you?
What do you mean you feel dimmer? Do you feel less intelligent?
Deneb
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