pdoc put me on lithium

I know I've been M.I.A. for awhile.

Some good news: I am completely off Clonidine. Pdoc hopes to wean me off more meds next visit (Halloween).

At my last visit to the pdoc, right around Oct. 1, I told him how I just couldn't stop impulse buying, no matter my mood (anxious, depressed, manic) and that it's affected our finances and caused a lot of fights with H. I guess I always get a temporary high from it (though it is usually gone by the time I make it home, and most of the places I shop at are 15 minutes or less from my house).

Pdoc thought about it and said he'd put me on a small dose of lithium (150 mg twice daily) since I was never on it before, being diagnosed late in the game.

So I thought, fine, I'll take it, it won't work, but I'll try. I didn't expect anything from it and still am not sure what will happen long term. But the craziest thing did happen about an hour, hour and a half after taking the first pill. All my thoughts calmed down, and I felt like I could think again. Of course, the feeling went away once the pill wore off, but so far, it has been helping me. I have not been impulse buying. I will be close (put things in my cart on Amazon but before checking out wonder if it's really a good idea and put them in the save for later basket). The only impulse buy I've made at a grocery store (with a longish list) was some premade chocolate chip cookie dough. I find I read easier (picture the story better in my head), even watch TV shows easier.

I was on lithium around 5 days when my husband said I seemed different lately. I asked him how, and he said I just seemed more engaged.

I've started to not be passive and just let life happen to me. Instead of waiting for H to sit next to me and snuggle, I'll sit next to him. If I want to talk to one of my sisters on the phone, I will call them instead of waiting for them to call me. But I do think about these things first before acting, decide if there is or could be a bad impact, and if the risk is little to none, I will act on that impulse.

I've had success too and not going shopping when I really want to and at starting on cleaning out my cabinets and pantry. I have toddler stuff still, and my daughter will be 12 in December! I don't manage a lot, but at least some.

I've started to prioritize things like chores and not act immediately on looking stuff up on the internet when I'm busy cooking dinner, surfing the net while burning dinner. Fingers crossed, things will continue to stay good.

Downside is I'm having about 5 lb. water retention (lower legs, ankles, feet swollen). I will mention it to the doctor. Hopefully, it stops there. I can live with carrying 5 lb. more if it means better thinking all around. But beyond that, it starts to get into my hands and fingers (had it happen on a birth control pill once), and it just gets very uncomfortable.

This is great news, Blueberrybook! So many positives to this medication addition! Though Lithium was not my wonder medication, I know a lot of people who've said it was. I also know a couple of people that benefited a lot even from smaller doses (not quite therapeutic doses). I hope you will continue to experience these positives.

Lithium was very weight neutral for me. I'm not sure if it put on any water weight, but if it did, it wasn't that much. A couple things about Lithium that I was told early on was that I should drink plenty of water, and not make any major changes to my salt intake. I mention these two things specifically because they may be factors in water retention. I imagine drinking more water would seem to cause water retention, but that is not usually the case. Usually just the opposite. Plus, drinking lots of water is just plain important with Lithium, even if you start to experience an increased need to urinate.

As for salt intake, remember that Lithium is a type of salt. If you tend to be a very low or high salt eater, you may want to mention that to your psychiatrist, but again, I wouldn't make any major changes to salt consumption without discussing that. Honestly, if your water retention is very noticeable, you may want to give your psychiatrist a call and let him know.

Thanks for sharing that you are doing better!

Hey! It's good to hear from you! I continue hopeful that you will find the med combination which works best for you! You are doing a good job!

Thanks BirdDancer!

My fingers are crossed. This is the only mood disorder medication I have reacted to so quickly and so dramatically. I am even starting to take enjoyment in small things, like how I love the feeling of being outside just before a storm and taking a few minutes to savor it. And to not be indifferent when H played Halloween music, and my daughter decorated for Halloween. I remember thinking how nice it felt and later that I was even happy during that time. Same when my cat curled up next to me while I was reading and just starting purring.

So we'll see...

That is great news! You sound a bit different, a bit happier and calmer in this post. I am so happy to hear that it seems to be working for you. I hope the other med changes go well for you, too. Please keep us posted!

It is nice to hear from you. glad that the lithium may be helping you.
keep us updated.
((((((HUGS))))))
bizi

Hey! Id been wondering where you were. Im glad lithium is having a positive effect on you. You sound at ease.

That’s wonderful news! I hope it continues to work this well for you and that the side effects dissipate. I’m sure this is a major relief.