1st day ON Lithium - feeling like a zombie, dumb-like. Will this last? Or will I level out and feel more like myself more balanced over time as far as when I have read up on (Internet) sites information etc - suppose to help many Bipolar people. 1-to 3-weeks? Such a low dose my GP was paranoid of my taking this 1st time without seeing a P-Doc 1st......may I add I will be seeing on April 15th - and follow up therapy. I hope I am not coming off as too conveluted, however this is how I am feeling. I was excited at 1st to have the new med, now I am a bit concerned that this drug will end up being like all anti-depressants tried in the past 25 yrs, non-effective.
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Answers
I can't say how you will do on Lithium, it may be great for you after some time... but when I took it, I was on it for 2 months and the zombie feeling never went away. I mentioned it to my doc, and he said that zombie is better than manic, so in his opinion, it was working. (I may not have had the best doc at the time.) Anyway, I couldn't deal with it and stopped taking it. I was so out of it I was even afraid to drive my car while I was taking Lithium. Anyway, like I said, that's not to say the same thing will happen with you- it may work great for you after that good-old adjustment period, and I hope it does. Best of luck to you! :)
My friend just got on Lithium (the last week or so) and it has really helped him.
He mentioned he does feel a bit more lethargic, but it has helped calm him down some.
Hope that helps.
Best,
Clyde
Hi Clyde, its only been a few days on Lithium 300mg in total a day.....1st day waking I was totally lethargic and confused---------I drank coffee of offset that lethargy. I must say this morning I am a bit less groggy - house plant syndrome feeling (ha).....I am keeping an open mind / optomistic that in time I will feel less of the hangover effect from Lithium. So far I can hang in there. Appreciate your response. Helpful to identify with others going through the same.
Lex
Lexxx, yeah :), I would kind of almost agree with that being the way he feels too...almost house-plantish, but a tad more alive :)
Hope it gets better for you.
Hi 123abc.....I do feel the zombie effects - Yes, this concerns me if it doesn't subside after time....can I ask what dose they started you on and what dose you ended on after you decided to go off after your 2-month experience with Lithium ? - Good thing I have a driver - I currently am not driving my car. I really hope this works for me, and so sorry it didn't bring you the relief and balance that you need. The tweekiing process of meds can be so tricky and frusterating. Honestly I at times 'enjoy' the mania to a degree as this is THE ONLY TIMES that I can accomplish much in any given day (I know you know what thats all about) without going into too much detail.
Thank you for responding, all the best to you too my friend :)