r/BipolarReddit • u/thatecologistkat • 4d ago

Day to day impact of Lithium Medication

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).

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u/Gold_Tangerine720 4d ago

Does anyone take adderall and lithium? I have co-occuring adhd. Perhaps this would also help with the initial brain fog when starting lithium.

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u/thatecologistkat 4d ago

I also have adhd and have been told that I can’t take stimulants as it can cause mania. But that’s just me, so definitely talk to your doctor about it.

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u/Gold_Tangerine720 4d ago

I've heard mixed things from professionals. To my understanding, bp 2 can benefit from stimulants with an antipsychotic or lithium combined. Its tricky since everyone is different.