Question:
Hello, I am new to yr grp. I have been on Lithium (Priadel) 600mg daily for about 3 yrs and I have found it does seem to impair memory and speed of recall of words to tongue.. Also I think it gives me some numbing in my fingertips which is annoying. However for the time being it seems less obnoxious than most other stabilizers. Does seem well documented that withdrawal can precipitate a "high" so be careful.
Response:
>Hi, my name is Jac. Meijers from Holland. I’m 39 years old and I use Priadel >(Lithiumcarbonate) during 5 months.
Hi, I take Priadel too >My questions are: >1. Have more persons using Lithium problems with memory, speed of >information processing and tiredness?
Somewhat but I think they all predate my taking Lithium and actually relate to another drug I am taking, Haloperidol (antipsychotic). >2. What are your remarks about the recommendations to reduce the dose >of lithium, addition of thyroid hormone, prescription of a slow release >preparation or replacement of lithium by another moodstabiliser?
I think Priadel is a slow release preparation. >3. What are the experiences of persons using the new moodstabiliser >Depakine?
None. I take Carbemazepine (Tegretol) as well as Lithium and the two together seem to be working OK at the moment. Regards Jackie Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.
Response:
Dear Jac Meijers, I’ve taken Lithium for over ten years. I haven’t experienced any "cognitive slow down" or memory problems, but it has impaired my thyroid (I now take Armour thyroid daily), and it has given me psoriasis (which is no fun at all). On the other hand, I have been stable and out of the hospital since I started on Lithium. Robert
Response:
I’m not on Lithium, but my SO takes Eskalith. It seems to make sense to me that a drug designed to ward of mania would tend to "slow" things down a bit. The skin problems do suck, though. But I’d say they’re worth the stability. Am I being too simplistic with this?
Response:
Hello everyone and welcome Jacques, I’m new to the group too and am also on Priadel (Lithium carbonate) 1000 mg a day and 40mg fluoxetine (prozac) at the moment. > 1. Have more persons using Lithium problems with memory, speed of > information processing and tiredness?
I haven’t had any problems with memory or speed of information processing. However I have noticed the tiredness. If nothing exciting is happening I want to fall asleep at 10pm. I also just need to stop and rest during a normal day much more than I did pre-Lithium. > 2. What are your remarks about the recommendations to reduce the dose > of lithium, addition of thyroid hormone, prescription of a slow release > preparation or replacement of lithium by another moodstabiliser? > 3. What are the experiences of persons using the new moodstabiliser > Depakine?
Sorry, no experience of Depakine or thyroid options. Helen
Response:
I wnat to thank al the persons that have replied on my questions about side effects of Lithium. All these reactions will help me find optimal medication (in consultation with my pdoc). Best regards, Jacques Meijers, Netherlands Jacques Meijers, Netherlands
Response:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=2848165&form=… Dopt=b Lithium Induced Chemical Castration
Response:
Hi, my name is Jac. Meijers from Holland. I’m 39 years old and I use Priadel (Lithiumcarbonate) during 5 months. In my work I have problems with my memory, my speed of information processing and I am very fatigue. In the magazine Int. Clin. Psychopharmacol 1999 May;14(3):167-71 I read the following article: Lithium induced cognitive side-effects in bipolar disorder: a qualitative analysis and implications for daily practice. Honig A, Arts BM, Ponds RW, Riedel WJ. Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. Qualitative analysis of the literature on cognitive side-effects of lithium in patients with a bipolar disorder identified four of 17 studies that fulfilled criteria of adequate methodological quality. Analysis of these four studies showed that lithium had a negative effect on memory and speed of information processing, often without subjective complaints or awareness of mental slowness. The consequences of these findings for daily practice are discussed, in particular with respect to driving performance. When neurocognitive complaints or deficits are present, lithium plasma level, thyroid functions and degree of mood disturbance should be assessed. In cases where all these parameters are within normal limits and neurocognitive complaints still persist, dose reduction of lithium, thyroid hormone addition, prescription of a slow release preparation or replacement of lithium by another moodstabiliser should be considered. Guidelines are suggested with respect to further neuropsychological screening. My questions are: 1. Have more persons using Lithium problems with memory, speed of information processing and tiredness? 2. What are your remarks about the recommendations to reduce the dose of lithium, addition of thyroid hormone, prescription of a slow release preparation or replacement of lithium by another moodstabiliser? 3. What are the experiences of persons using the new moodstabiliser Depakine?
Response:
<snipped for your protection> Welcome to ASDM. We are not doctors here. We just play one on TV. The best I can offer is my opinion and personal experience. We each are different. For your protection and your knowledge, I suggest doing the research, and talking to your doctor. > 1. Have more persons using Lithium problems with memory, speed of > information processing and tiredness?
I have severe memory problems, however, I had them before lithium (I’ve been treated with lithium for years now). I process information fine. Cannot concentrate or read… but again, this was present before the lithium. Tiredness is not a problem, though I simply MUST have a nap at some point during the day. Sleep is essential for good mental health. > 2. What are your remarks about the recommendations to reduce the dose > of lithium, addition of thyroid hormone, prescription of a slow release > preparation or replacement of lithium by another moodstabiliser?
If your pdoc recommends you decrease your dose, listen to him/her. As for the addition of thyroid hormone (I speak from YEARS of experience here), that is a medical problem that should be addressed with a regular medical doctor. By all means have your pdoc test for it. But don’t allow him to treat. Sometimes an addition of another moodstabilizer is necessary. > 3. What are the experiences of persons using the new moodstabiliser > Depakine?
I used Depakote at one point. It didn’t work for me. YMMV. It works for many. Linda Briteyes
Response:
Hi Jack, These and many other questions can be answered to the real life support group in our country (I am born and raised in Netherlands too) http://www.nsmd.nl Memory loss and fatigue I have too. Speed of information processing I never noticed before. As for the brand of lithium you better take Camcolit, it’s a lot cheaper! > Hi, my name is Jac. Meijers from Holland. I’m 39 years old and I use Priadel > (Lithiumcarbonate) during 5 months. In my work I have problems with my > memory, my speed of information processing and I am very fatigue. In the > magazine Int. Clin. Psychopharmacol 1999 May;14(3):167-71 I read the > following article: > Lithium induced cognitive side-effects in bipolar disorder: a qualitative > analysis and implications for daily practice. > Honig A, Arts BM, Ponds RW, Riedel WJ.
['Arts' is Dutch word for doctor only to confuse most people here :)] > Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University Hospital
[snip] > My questions are: > 1. Have more persons using Lithium problems with memory, speed of > information processing and tiredness?
I already answered that: As with everything YMMV (your mileage may vary). > 2. What are your remarks about the recommendations to reduce the dose > of lithium, addition of thyroid hormone, prescription of a slow release > preparation or replacement of lithium by another moodstabiliser?
Your own pdoc is the person to discuss this with. BTW you already take a slowrelease lithium. The brandless lithiumcarbonate has to be taken in doses spread over the day. Chance to forget a dose is bigger. I always take it right before I go to sleep. > 3. What are the experiences of persons using the new moodstabiliser > Depakine?
Depakene (Depakote in most countries) or valproate has different side effects and is not as new anymore. We are pretty far behind. We have only 3 different ood stabilizers. Again like everything: Talk about it to your pdoc. I knew someone who started it because she got problems with her kidneys.
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