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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on February 8, 2018, at 13:42:55
I'm curious as to how people take their lithium. I have always taken simple lithium carbonate (not slow-release) twice a day.
There are a whole bunch of articles describing the benefits of once-daily dosing of lithium taken at night. The most compelling finding is that this dosing schedule results in less renal impairment. The explanation given is that the kidneys need time during the day for which the level of lithium in the blood drops low enough for them to repair themselves. Once-a-day dosing allows for a lower trough blood level for a longer period of time than divided dosing.
Google:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=lithium+once+daily+dosing+renal+kidney
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on February 9, 2018, at 17:45:35
In reply to Once daily lithium?, posted by SLS on February 8, 2018, at 13:42:55
Hey SLS,
I take 300mg lithium once a day. My mother has taken 600-900mg once a day for 35 years with some mild signs of kidney impairment.
Lithium apparently accumulates in the brain. In the short term, steady blood levels may be required, but I think over time, it may not be as important (?).
Mind you, I am using it mainly for depression.
Interestingly, since starting, I rarely need additional medications.
I take 300m as well as omega-3 and, in general, am doing fine.
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on February 9, 2018, at 17:50:15
In reply to Re: Once daily lithium?, posted by linkadge on February 9, 2018, at 17:45:35
I read an article on pubmed (will look for it), in which supplemental zinc, reduced the renal effects of lithium in an animal model.
Linkadge
Posted by chumbawumba on March 3, 2018, at 1:03:24
In reply to Once daily lithium?, posted by SLS on February 8, 2018, at 13:42:55
Never tried it all at night but taking all of it in the morning gives me disabling diarrhea for about 5 hours. (900 mg carbonate), which probably is a positive feedback loop in terms of sodium loss. So now I split a lower dose (600 mg) between morning and bedtime.
I personally prefer the higher dose for the stability but besides the diarrhea it makes my mouth taste like metal.
Interesting though, I may have to try that although what tests would you need to run to confirm it's beneficial, GFR?
This is the end of the thread.
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