Posted by Squiggles on November 14, 2006, at 6:54:32
In reply to Re: Doc wants to try Lithium but nervous!!!, posted by blueberry on November 13, 2006, at 20:11:50
blueberry,
I am probably one of lithium's biggest fans.
But I am also mindful to its greatest
weakness - "narrow therapeutic index". As
Dr. Schou advised in his booklet for patients
and drs., it is important that drs. understand
what "narrow therapeutic index" means. If you
are lucky you will feel the "over the index"
symptoms and lower the stuff yourself -- but
it's tricky. Going back to a higher dose can
give a surge to the brain- not good. Stability and the right dose are the ideal.The thyroid too must be adjusted.
As for side effects, yes-- it is a very
"clean" drug. But if you get too much of
it in your brain it is as dangerous as the
worst psychiatric drugs. I have come close,
but I don't get tested regularly, and many
things can happen to raise the dose or lower it:- heat
- sweating
- other drugs
- counterfeit accidents
- not drinking enough water
- coffee
- wine
- benzos
- sodium or potassium depletion
Take a look at Dr. Mogens Schou's book for
patients on Amazon.com or other book sites.Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:703040
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061110/msgs/703353.html