Lithium Side effects
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses lithium and some of its potential side effects. Lithium is a medication that has been used for bipolar disorder since the late 1940's, and for some individuals it can be a very effective for treating manias and keeping individuals euthymic (at a stable mood, neither in a depressive episode of mania). It is also used as an adjunct medication for depression (added to a primary anti-depressant, typically at a lower dose than utilized for bipolar affective disorder). With that said, it does have the potential for various side effects.
Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.
These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.
Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.
This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
If you are researching a specific topic, please view our TH-cam channel, click all videos and use the search function. Please also visit and follow us on instagram and FB: @RittenhousePsych.
www.RittenhousePA.com
www.ChrisPagnaniMD.com
My 60yo husband has been on Lithium over 25 years for his bipolar, but two years ago a well Intentioned new doctor took him off it (and other meds) due to tremors and hypothyroidism. Cut to today, my husband is currently on week 11 in a geriatric psychiatric medical hospital, with catatonia following neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Resistant to most new & old generation psych meds, he is now undergoing ECT for bipolar depression. This week the ECT triggered mania and they resumed the lithium after a thorough history of what worked in the past. Thank goodness! After 3 days, we already see a difference in his mood. Welcome home old friend LITHIUM, you were missed.
Thank you so much for sharing such personal information. Lithium can be an incredibly effective medication for some patients, even if they've failed many other medication trials. I hope that he continues to recover. I always recommend documenting these types of reactions to medication trials (and reactions to coming off of medications), so that if a patient changes providers, they have data to support the best medical regimens (or decrease the chance that an effective regimen is tapered off, if a patient is tolerating it). Thank you again, and I'll keep your husband in my thoughts. - Dr. Pagnani
Just take propranolol, boom
Well, benefits vs disadvantages. My husband now has neuropathy. I must say in due part to the high and long term dose of lithium. Caution!
I have been suffering from a lack of focus for so long I thought it was my ADHD, but now I believe it is my Lithium. Cloudy thinking has been a thing in my life for the past 3 years.
I want to get off, thank you for the informative video.
Do you mean taking lithium reduced your ability to focus?
Lithium makes me very depressed. One of my hobbies is collecting unusual drug reactions, and hoping that none of them kill me.
Thank you for your comment and I'm sorry to hear that you've had so much difficulty with treatment. I hope that you are able to find the care that you need. Sincerely, - Dr. Pagnani
@@RittenhousePsych Poles (the electromagnetic poles and fields) It is a BIPOLARITY Itself. So....in SCIENTIFIC TERMS (Not PSEUDO-SCIENTIFIC TERMS), Bipolarity disorder is a fallacy.
The scientific way to bring balance to extremes, is to study the pineal gland, hypothalamus gland and pituitary gland. In that case, the problem is endocrinological and NOT neurological/psychiatric. The problem with OLD SCHOOL PSEUDO-SCIENTIFIC PSYCHIATRY is that they never put attention to the endocrinological system that affects the brain. But NOW, we are working in that field (in a SCIENTIFIC way) 🎓
@@RittenhousePsych The BIG PHARMA is not a good teacher...... It is just a PSEUDOSCIENTIFIC BUSINESS 💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸 PROZAC-NATION and NEURALINK 🙈🙉🙊🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒 THE PLANET OF THE NEANDERTHALS
Best comment. I feel you 😊
@@STARLIGHTRAYS Completely agreed. Furthermore; the mental health system is actually a part of the criminal justice (not medical) system. After all; name me another sector of health care (e.e.: diabetes, otology/hearing, opthalmology/vision) where some1 is subjected 2 involuntary/court-ordered "treatment". Additionally; when it comes 2 criminal justice cases, how come we allow the "insanity" defense but no exceptions 4 other health conditions? In other words; there's no such thing as "Not Guilty By Reason Of A Visual/Hearing Impairment" nor "Guilty But Blind/Deaf" but we allow "Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity" & "Guilty But Mentally Ill". Moreover; the "M.I." terms (i.e.: "Mentally Ill" & "Mental Illness/es") r shameful & stigmatizing in the exact same manner as the "M.R." terms (i.e.: "Mentally Retarded" & "Mental Retardation") r deemed likewise. Sorry 4 going off on a tangent here but in Michigan (where I'm from), here's an excerpt from their so-called "Mental Health Code" as follows:
Upon entry of a court order hospitalizing you, that court order is entered into the LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network).
Here's the fuckin' problem w/that; the a4mentioned excerpt makes no discernable difference btwn criminal & probate court. The majority of mental health petitions primarily come from PROBATE (NOT CRIMINAL) COURT. Even if some1 has a clean criminal record; a court-ordered hospitalization/"treatment" order can appear in a traffic stop situation. There4; law enforcement officers can definitely bully & harass u as a result. I outta know bc it happened 2 me under 28 yrs ago (btwn March & April, 1996). Contrary 2 commonly popular belief; there's no such thing as "rights" as it pertains 2 mental health (especially RE: involuntary/court-ordered "treatment"). Again; sorry 4 going on a tangent but u r definitely SPOT-ON!!!!! I just added 2 ur point based on my personal experiences.
Since I take it I can't cry and that is no good, it has increased my anxiety so much 😢
Just wanted to let you know you are a good doctor. Ty for your content.
very informative! i just got prescribed this for bipolar type 1
I'm afraid to stop the lithium because of the depression was so bad and intense.
Thank you for sharing your experience, and I am glad that your regimen is working well. Lithium can be extremely effective for some individuals (although it requires monitoring of labs and side effects, by one's medical provider). Thank you again, - Dr. Pagnani
@@RittenhousePsychhow often do you do blood tests
@@Ohkeh640every 1 - 3 months. If your values are stable they do it less frequently
It’s definitely the only medication that’s helped my mental health, and i have tried almost everything. But i have to stop it i have lost 50 percent of my hair it’s so traumatizing and i hope it stops and grows back
it’s completely changed my hair texture and i’m losing handfuls at a time, also having random seeming allergic reactions that are extreme and go away within a couple hours with no cause or trigger and bad bruising all over my legs i’ve never dealt with this before
Just a thought, but have your thyroid checked. Lithium can effect thyroid. Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss, weight gain.
That's a great comment. Hair loss can be caused by several issues, and having one's thyroid checked (especially as Lithium can affect the thyroid in up to 20% of those who take it) is a very good idea. With that said, some individuals do have hair loss from lithium. Sometimes seeing a dermatologist or a provider who is comfortable discussing hair loss products and other measures, can be very helpful. Best, - Dr. Pagnani
Have you looked into low dose lithium ORITATE? It is more effective at MUCH less doses and has very little to almost no side effects. They come over the counter at 5 milligrams a piece. Much more effective than high dose lithium carbonate which isn't absorbed well by the body at all. This is where many people are getting side effects from, is because they are taking high dose lithium that was never intended for the human body to handle
Tried Cannabiss?
I was debilitated for more than 9 years with hyperparathyroid disease (which gave me high calcium) from lithium use. Still struggle to put & keep my life together in which lithium was of very little help.
What form and dosage of lithium were you taking?
@@banzobeans I believe it was 1500, but really don’t remember.
Cannabiss woulda done more help and been zero side effects. Fact
Propanol
Currently, I have been on lithium since September 2023. It is January 17. I am going to stop taking it with the advice of my doctor and increasing my Depakote. I stopped it for multiple reasons mainly due to severe acne. I’m also going through psychosis.
Have you looked into low dose lithium ORITATE? It is more effective at a MUCH lower dose
What is your diet?
@@bremlquan carbs and fats no sugar
Im on depakote now
What dosage are you on depakote @@joes8657
Hi, I had marijuana induced psychosis 1/2 year ago and I’m still on lithium carbonate 300 mg morning and night. I’m not bipolar, how would you recommend withdrawing from this drug?
and to think that before 1948, lithium was in 7up of all things. i wonder what would happen if 7up was allowed to bring back lithium in their soda🤔
It would have been helpful for you to add specific dose numbers when referring to "moderate levels" e.g.
Hello Dr.! Thank you for the informative video. I've recently move countries and they told me here they don't use lithium carbonate but lithium nitrate, haven't found anything online regarding the differences. Is there any side effects I should look for? Thank you!
What a toxic world.
How so, i started lithium just recently and it has done nothing but help so for, if it helps it helps.😊
I take 100mg and its already enough for mood and neuroprotection. Psychiatric dosages are way too high (i tried 300mg)
@@Mrdingdong542If u believe in the chemical imbalance philosophy RE: mental health; more power 2 u. R u simply needing "symptom relief" or addressing & resolving the TRIGGERS that cause ur symptoms? If it's the 4mer; congratulations. Otherwise; u r fooling urself RE: psych meds "helping" u.
I'm bipolar with psychotic features I'm on seroquel 400 mg and delorazepam and lithium.
Thank you again for sharing. It is not uncommon for patients with bipolar disorder and a history of psychotic depressions or manias, to require both a mood stabilizer and a medication like seroquel. I wish you the best - Dr. Pagnani
All I wanted to know was why Tony Soprano went into a dream state in the episode Lithium! (S01E12) All this video talked about were physical side effects.
Lithium caused me 2 have adult-onset psoriasis. This was under 38 yrs ago (in 4/1986; my DOB: 7/20/1967). Lithium was amongst 30+ different psych meds over a 44-yr period b4 becoming psych med-free over 7 yrs ago (been psych med-free since 1/1/2017). The cumulative adverse effects from psych meds (including Lithium along w/Risperidone & Olanzapine---a.k.a.: Risperdal & Zyprexa, "respectively") led 2 my decision 2 go off psych meds (BEST FUCKIN' DECISION THAT I MADE). Psych meds gave me suicidal feelings; going off them ELIMINATED THAT!!!!!
Saved my life but I still hate the side effects they are pretty bad. I’m not going insane again though
What side effects do you have and what dosage etc
Is the tablet super sour and bitter???
Do you have to drink a lot of water on it too?
Does this help Somatic disorder.. he’s on quiatpine, Mirtazapien and venlafaxine.. been on them almost a year with zero positive affect, he’s got constant stomach pain and is now very underweight due to very poor food intake... lithium is being suggested to take alongside the above meds
Risks of having serotonin syndrome.
venlafaxine is the worst anti depressant I've ever taken. The side effects were unbearable
your voice sounds exactly like bryan callen.
In your experience, has Lithium Carbonate inhibited the stimulating effects of commonly prescribed ADHD medications? My psychiatrist has stated emphatically that it doesn't but, since switching to the lowest therapeutic dose of LC (600mg), approximately 6-months ago, I've noticed a significant difference with the efficacy of both Adderall IR 30mg and Vyvanse 70mg.
Thank you for your question. Lithium can be incredibly helpful for some (having a stable mood may even improve cognition), but others will report some cloudy thinking (for example). This is definitely something to discuss directly with your provider. Of note, sometimes patients will receive benefits from even lower doses than 600 at night (for example, 300 or 450), and those side effects will go away. However, I could never know what's best for an individual without an evaluation. I hope that your symptoms improve. Sincerely, - Dr. Pagnani
I have high uric acid I had kidney stones removed years ago my dr told me to drink lots of water daily. Is lithium safe? How often to do blood tests etc
Get. On. With. It.
I'm suffering from toxicity and apple cider is helping me, my Dr is not treating me and completely abandoned me
Thank you for tge information doctor. I have been on lithium treatment for the past 3 months and have experienced high hairfall. Is there something I can do to decrease the hairdall while undertaking the treatment?
My hair loss has been debilitating. Trying to get off this medicine
Is the tablet super sour and bitter?
Do you have to drink a lot of water on it? Any nausea / diarrhoea on it when starting? Will it pass?
How much of the weight gain of Lithium is a result of water retention since it's a salt? Does it impact metabolism and cause fat gain? Or is Lithium weight gain predominately water retention.
I gained 30 pounds in 6 weeks on it and my heart rate went from 52 too 105 resting rate. I also at weeks 10-16 on it had Suicide thoughts a Suicide attempt and a sudden and urgency for violent outbursts. I ended up with assault charges,jail,courts,homeless,in psych ward, couldn’t work…
Hi doctor.. I am considering talking to my psychiatrist about weaning me off lithium and haldol… haven’t been to a hospital since last august (a year now). I’m tired of feeling flat with no emotion and also tired of gaining weight. I gained 40 pounds since last year and I have this constant restlessness and I’m always moving my body when I’m standing up. Like I can’t stand still in one place. I also don’t have the same energy that I used to have… I haven’t been to the gym in 7 months because of the fact that I’m so tired all the time… I heard these drugs were dangerous for the brain especially (learned from Peter breggin). Do you think it’s possible for someone like me (type 1 bipolar) to live a stable life without meds?
I’m in the same situation it sucks 😣 I wanna life life without meds but I’m scared of what will happen I don’t want to have psychosis or mania I’m taking care of myself having 3 meals a day and not staying up all night anymore soon I’ll be off meds hopefully. I want my life back
@@Bobcat-joe im thinking of going back to the carnivore diet alongside with lithium because it helps with the bipolar. was on depkane valproate or smth but I heard it's going to damage the kidneys/liver =(... it's hard to choose what to damage first. lithium gives me dry mouth and it affects oral health sadly :/ hope you get well soon
Look into Magnesium Glycinate the supplement. It's been studied and seems to work for some bipolar people without the toxicity build up.
@@Bobcat-joesame I have right now where are you from
Yeah bro i had taken these only for 3 weeks unintentionally due to misdiagnosis of a doc... These are dangerous to human brain it's been two years now I am struggling from emotions I got FTD frontotemporal dementia through this drug when I quit these drugs I was not able to sleep till 4 months no tiredness I was more like robot with no emotions...All you need is patience now just quit it as soon as possible with tapering... Still I have no emotions & my current doc said it's all done by that lithuim 300 which damage my front lobes of my brain but there are chances to get rid of... Just do prayers allah will bless soon in sha allah
what's the difference between lithium orotate and lityum carbonat? I can find only lityum carbonat in my country does it work?
I smoked weed everyday for a years. I eventually realized i have bipolar disorder and i get put on lithium. For two years I am smoking weed, taking lithium, ans taking ibuprofen. Recently I went into lithium toxicity and had all the symptom. I stopped taking them and ibuprofen but im still feeling like im about to passout and my hands and face are tingling and oh my gosh im having so much trouble breathingn impending doom. Can anyone help me?
Stop the pot and go to therapy often.
CHANGE YOUR MED SPECIALIZATION WITH LOVE, TRUST ME TRUST ME❤❤
Is lithium orotate the same?
Will the feeling of feeling like i need to pee all the time, its waking me up every 2h and cant go anywhere becuse of it
I’m nineteen on 900 mg lithium and 50g seroquil for about a month and it’s really helped me however I’m concerned about the weight gain. I’m much less explosive and depressed, haven’t had a manic episode since being on this medication but I have absolutely no energy. I eat pretty well however these meds make me have a sort of animalistic hunger and 0 energy whatsoever. It’s improved my mental health but I’m worried about these side effects help
Please don’t worry about weight gain too much. Eat sensibly and get moving. You will settle down eventually if you are like me. 72 on lithium for 30+ years. Dosage decreased since initial diagnosis.
I started lithium 1 month and a half ago. I am ag 1200mg. I was wondering if the bring frog, memory problems and my slow thinking is temporary or a permanent side effect? Thanks?
Does this tablet cause sleepless?
Is it good for children with ODD?
Hi doctor, low dose lithium such as 300 mg a day monotherapy can help depression? Also low dose can cause side effects?
Thank you for watching and your question. Lithium can be used for augmentation (adding to a primary antidepressant like an SSRI or SNRI) at much lower doses than it's typically used for bipolar disorder. It's not uncommon for a patient to take 300 - 600 mg at night for example, when added to a regimen. It does carry side effects, and it's important to discuss directly with your provider before taking, but side effects tend to be dose dependent (meaning, they tend to be much less problematic at these lower doses). I wish you the best, and thank you for contributing! - Dr. Pagnani
The USA should be ashamed of themselves for refusing to prescribe benzodiazepine. Luckily here in Italy the Healthcare system is one of the top 3 in the world. BTW you seem to be a great doctor.
Thank you for your comment!
Amen. Benzodiazepines are lorded over by the FDA and they punish doctors for prescribing it. Then, you have cases like my uncle who was an amazing man, but suffered from alcoholism that he self medicated for his unrelenting anxiety. He got on a small dose of alprozalam and reclaimed his life. It was amazing. Then, he had to change providers and they were “cracking down on benzodiazepines”. They took him off of it. He died less than two years later due to kidney failure and complete organ failure because he HAD to drink again. I hate the US medical establishment. Visiting other countries, like Italy, they think our doctors are sadists.
@@MTWoodyou can't discount the people who got addicted to it and died and killed others because of it!
@@diannh2894 And now do alcohol…
Mr. Schaeffer; WTF?.U must believe in the chemical imbalance philosophy RE: mental health. The adverse effects from psych meds (especially benzodiazapines) r so DEBILITATING & DEADLY (JUST LIKE OPIOIDS)!!!!! If I were u; gotta reconsider what u said.
It makes you gain weight
Thank you for your comment! Lithium can certainly cause weight gain, but for most patients in my experience, it's a small amount of weight, related to lithium being a natural salt. If someone doesn't decrease their table salt consumption, then they will simply have more salt in their body, which will cause increased retention of water. This is often a couple pounds, and typically does NOT increase over time. However, there are some patients who gain weight throughout treatment, and there may certainly be better options for many of these individuals. This information should be discussed with anyone's provider, before starting, stopping or changing dose of this medication. Thank you again! - Dr. Pagnani
@@RittenhousePsychThe cumulative adverse (i.e.: side).effects from psych meds (including Lithium) far outweigh the benefits. Furthermore; adverse effects often AGGRAV8 & EXACERB8 the condition that medications r intended 2 treat.
Wish it would.. he needs to gain weight but is rarely hungry
Does it make irritability..after single tablet i feel irritability @@RittenhousePsych
You related to the other rittenhouse?
I am not. Rittenhouse is actually not my last name, but our practice name, as our original location is close to Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Thank you for watching our video!
lithium bicarbonate
Is he talking about lithium oratata????? If not please dont bother with me🤣🤣🤣🤣