Posted by Squiggles on August 21, 2006, at 9:21:02
In reply to Discontinuing Lithium after many years, posted by Southpaw on August 17, 2006, at 1:39:02
I'm not sure what the adverse effects you
speak of are, how serious, how dependent
on temporary variables, like extreme heat,
or drug interactions..... i have had many
adverse effects on li over 25 yrs. or so
and yet have not stopped the drug.I think many modern or younger drs. may
not hold lithium in favour as older ones.It takes about 6 months to withdraw, but
the recurrence of bipolar may hit you
rather suddenly if you are not observant.Lots of stuff on the net on this:
http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/mcl2.htm
* Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2004 Feb;109(2):81-2.
Relapse into mania or depression following lithium discontinuation: a 7-year follow-up.Cavanagh J, Smyth R, Goodwin GM.
University of Glasgow Department of Psychological Medicine, Academic Centre, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK. jc199d@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether outcome followed a worse course after acute lithium withdrawal. METHOD: Data were acquired by review of the clinical records on 14 cases and 28 controls matched for age, gender and time on lithium for about 7 years following discontinuation. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between cases and controls. Cases experienced more episodes of depression and total affective relapse. The log-rank test revealed a significantly lower survival probability in cases than controls (P < 0.0009). However, the increased risk of recurrence was largely confined to the interval immediately after lithium discontinuation. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that acute discontinuation of lithium leads to a high immediate relapse rate. Most of the excess morbidity over 7 years appears to be attributable to the first episode following discontinuation. Outcome was not worsened by discontinuation.
PMID: 14725588 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/
full/156/7/1130
Vigilance is important in this case between
you and your doctor. Good luck.Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:222797
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060818/msgs/678673.html