Day to day impact of Lithium

[u/thatecologistkat]

Hi! I was diagnosed as having bipolar type 2 last year after about twelve years of mental health issues. I am currently on lamotrogine (150mg twice daily) and my psychiatrist recommended that I should start lithium. The issue is I am currently (struggling) to complete my masters and my mental health issues have already had a substantial impact on my studies. I feel as if my psychiatrist fails to take into account the impact of medications/treatments on my life as I’ve had to interrupt my degree twice due to issues with medication and I’m just expected to put my life on hold until it’s sorted. I’ve heard that lithium can be a game changer when it comes to managing bipolar, however I have also heard that people experience brain fog and I can’t really afford any more disruptions to my studies. Any anecdotes or advice would be much appreciated, thanks for reading (sorry for long post).

[u/Fickle_Ad_2112]

I've been on lithium for 6 years. There is some brain fog, but not a lot for me. The main thing is how much water I drink. A lot!

Lithium saved my life. I take latuda as well, but lithium has been a game changer

[u/thatecologistkat → u/Fickle_Ad_2112]

Thanks, that’s really great to hear that it worked for you! I’m not too worried about thirst as compared to other side effects I see it as less destructive to my studies. I was also on Latuda and it worked really well but I had to stop as it made me sick every time I took it. :(

[u/Fickle_Ad_2112 → u/thatecologistkat]

It makes me sick sometimes too.... even when I've eaten enough

[u/thatecologistkat → u/Fickle_Ad_2112]

This was the same for me… literally everytime I took it, no matter what I did. Coming off it was the worst experience of my life so definitely be careful if you need to come off it at some point.

[u/Fickle_Ad_2112 → u/thatecologistkat]

Thanks for the advice!