whippetfriend

I could use some feedback on coping with the side effects of lithium.
I have been on 1200 mg SID for 5 years. This drug has drastically
changed my life so I do not wish to stop taking it.

However, I do suffer from bouts of diarrhea, hand tremor and fatigue.
My blood levels are always right on. I tend to get intermittant
diarrhea after any sort of gastro-intestinal bug. Right now I am
taking acidophilus and have made some major changes in my diet.

I recently came across news of a medical study at the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Centre where they were using inositol to combat the
side effects of mood stabilizers. So I got some 250 mg caps to try.
My pharmacist says it should not react with any of my current meds.

Until any of these things work, thank goodness for Immodium!

Perdita

acoftil

On 2 Oct 2003 07:00:51 -0700, whippetfriend@yahoo.ca (Perdita) etched
permanently into the ether:

Me too!


I take Inderal for the tremors--I had to double my dose when they also found
essential tremors on top of the lithium tremors. I could not even write my
name. Inderal has virtually eliminated the tremors, unless I'm stressed and/or
very tired.

What are the change to your diet? If I don't eat enough fruit, I have horrid
problems. But, then I also have a spastic colon.

Do you get the runs when you are emotionally stressed? There is an obvious
connection to your body being stressed (flu bug) and some of your problems with
diarrhea. You can avoid some flu bugs by washing your hands frequently and
avoiding crowded places, such as public transportation. Do not share utensils
with other people.


Inositol is a form of b-vitamin. It is often used to help people sleep--so take
it at night, as it could contribute to your weakness. It is pretty safe with
any medication. I take 250 mg at bedtime for sleep--it helps keep me asleep,
but does not really help me fall asleep. The effects are very subtle and can
take up to 6 weeks to notice. The longer you are on it, the better the results
you will have--so stick with it!

Immodium is my first line of defense! If you are having gastric cramps, talk to
your doctor about sub lingual librium.

Also try taking vital enzymes and bioflavonoids with your meals--that has helped
me quite a bit.

HTH,

Nancy

linda

Have you discussed this with your doctor? With all the new meds out
there, you shouldn't have to put up with one that has so many side
effects.

What other meds are you taking?

I've been taking lithium since mid-1990's, and I know what you mean
about it being life changing.

L

whippetfriend

I have cut out some dairy products, raw fruits and vegatables, whole
grains and artificial sweetners. I am eating my food and beverages at
warm instead of hot temperatures. These changes, combined with the
acidophilus will hopefully return my digestion to normal. No immodium
needed today!

Stress and the runs are definitely connected. I have had a stressful
past 6 months and I wonder if this is taking its toll. I started a
new job, my sister separated from her husband, my grandma nearly died
of a heart attack, and then my mom got sick. This summer I was busy
taking are everybody, and it felt odd to be giving the care instead of
taking it.

I have handled the worry and extra responsability, but it has taken
its toll on my body. Now that everything is back to normal, I am
trying to take some time for me. The oncoming lack of sunlight
doesn't help either, so I have started my light therapy early this
year.

This is certainly a complex condition, isn't it, complicate by our
meds. Thanks for your reply, esp. since I am new here.

Perdy

franz bestuchev

You could also try switching to or from a time release lithium preparation.

whippetfriend

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I have tried eliminating all
kinds of things from my diet, incl. dairy, artificial sweetners, raw
fruits/veg. etc. but nothing really helps.

I tried Duralith once and it made me worse, with the runs every day
around 4 a.m. I was worse on generic li, but had some improvement
when switched to Lithane. I also take Prozac and Ativan.

I saw my GP today. He was a bit miffed that my pdoc seemed to ignore
the side effects. He has ordered some tests and wants me to try
Metamucil to see if it well help absorb some of the excessive fluid
from my intestinal track.

My supervisor at work asked for a dr's note because I have missed work
this week. I have only been at this job 6 months, but my employers
are great ppl., so I went out on a limb and told them what the problem
was. What a relief to not to have make up excuses like telling them I
have the flu. I have never told an employer I had bipolar disorder b4
and they treated the news with understanding and care.

I would not recommend that every tell their boss they suffer from
mental illness, but I am a firm believer that by hiding our illness we
prolong the stigma.

Will know in soon if this psyllium stuff works. Tastes awful.

Perdita