Often overlooked in the conversation about things that work for bipolar disorder is the old stand-by, lithium. Lithium is a naturally occurring salt that was, prior to the past decade or so, the medication treatment of choice for bipolar disorder. It is now seen more as a secondary treatment with doctors instead preferring the pricier atypical antipsychotics. That’s because lithium has some unpleasant side effects (but hey, what medication doesn’t?).
Our new blog, Bipolar Beat has a great entry about lithium that’s worth a read: Bipolar Medication Spotlight: Lithium.
It’s a great informational piece about this medication and how it’s regaining some renewed interest and prescribing popularity as the downsides to the newer atypical anti-psychotics are becoming better highlighted and understood.
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3 Comments to
“What About Lithium for Bipolar Disorder?”
I was on Lithium for 12 years. I became toxic and ended up with chronic kidney failure. Other OTC mends, diabetes, and high blook pressure has worsened my kidney failure.
Please be aware that Lithium as a salt also make you drink more thus making the kidneys work harder.
I’ve also been on Lithium for a good amount of time. All people react differently on different medications. I, personally, had no ill effects, and have found it to be a wonderful drug for my bi-polar disorder.
Dr. Grohol, thanks for posting this. I have been on lithium pretty much since 86 and consider it my miracle drug. True I have nasty side effects, plus I cannot stand the every other week blood draw.
But this med has changed my life, I know if I wasn’t on it, I would be dead.
Been a along time fan of yours from FS. Keep up the good work.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 22 Jul 2008
