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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tensor on January 9, 2005, at 13:49:49
Hello all,
For those of you who have been or are taking lithium as an augmentor for unipolar depression. How long did it take for it to kick in? When it did, was it a strong kick or a more slow gradual improvement? Your experiences appreciated.
I take 600mg daily, and this is my third day./Mattias
Posted by wraith on January 9, 2005, at 14:05:36
In reply to Lithium onset, posted by tensor on January 9, 2005, at 13:49:49
Hi Mattias hope this is useful.
I am taking 1200mg of lithium along with 100mg Amitriptyline since April '04 after a slew of other antidepressants failed to lift my severe unipolar depression.
From about the first week I noticed that my brain fog began to clear and that I felt better than the previous week. And it seems each week since then effects have been getting better and better. Some sites mention that it can take up to two years to get the full effects of lithium.
For me it seemed to kick in quick and strong and despite the side effects dry mouth, increased thirst, quarterly bloodwork etc I wouldn't be without it.
I hope you too experience the effects I found.
Good luck
Posted by tensor on January 9, 2005, at 15:38:10
In reply to Re: Lithium onset, posted by wraith on January 9, 2005, at 14:05:36
Hi,
> I am taking 1200mg of lithium along with 100mg Amitriptyline since April '04 after a slew of other antidepressants failed to lift my severe unipolar depression.
I suffer from severe unipolar depression, but i'm only at 600mg, i will take a blood test at the end of this week to check blood level.
Do you know from your blood tests what your blood level of lithium is?
Did you have to go up to 1200mg to get relief?
> From about the first week I noticed that my brain fog began to clear and that I felt better than the previous week.
Yeah, i've noticed some brain fog, feels good to hear that it may eventually disappear.
> For me it seemed to kick in quick and strong and despite the side effects dry mouth, increased thirst, quarterly bloodwork etc I wouldn't be without it.
Nice to hear, i can take some s/e, as long as they are not sexual..
Kind regards,
Mattias
Posted by CareBear04 on January 12, 2005, at 2:18:09
In reply to Re: Lithium onset » wraith, posted by tensor on January 9, 2005, at 15:38:10
i've never tried lithium as an augmentor, but i'm starting that now-- 450mg/day, hopefully going up. i've been on lithium as my primary mood stabilizer, and it works really fast, at least compared to other psych drugs. within a week to ten days, i can feel a real difference. this, though, is on a dose of between 1200-1800mg/day. i'm as unsure as you are of how long it takes a dose like our current ones to work. i'm praying it kicks in soon!
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