Posted by bikinigrrl on November 12, 2008, at 6:53:53
I have been on Lithium 1200 mg since 1996 when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 1 after a psychotic episode at age 38. The side effects I have experienced incl. hair loss, weight gain, NDI- Dephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus, dry skin, chronic constipation, excessive urination (2 gallons + 32 ounces 24 hour period) nxxt to no appetite, I'll stop there. How I have tolerated these symptoms I have no idea. But I have been with the same Dr. for the full period and she was told about the urination and ignored me so I thought it was no big deal. Until I read something in consumer reports about NDI and realized that Lithium-Induced NDI is a serious condition and can lead to renal failure and all sorts of other stuff.
MY QUESTION: How do I safely stop taking lithium. My doctor wants me to add depokote and keep a low dose of Lithium. I want to get off the drugs and get my body and health back. I have excellent health (exc. for LITH effects) and did until I started taking Lithium. I have no depression and I have a positive approach to life. I workout daily and have been a drug- free vegetarian since I was 16. I have never had depression before or after my lithium use. Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated. I wish I had read up on the risks of lithium use before I took it but I trusted my doctors. FATAL MISTAKE. Thanks for reading my post.
poster:bikinigrrl
thread:862489
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20080220/msgs/862489.html