Bipolar Disorder - When we use Lithium

[@emmafr1edman]

I was on lithium for a year. It saved my life, but the monthly blood tests, the shaky hands, the constant metallic taste, not to mention the weight gain, it made me feel physically crummy. It was worth it, though. I remember the first moments my mood began to lift. It was actually last Christmas. I was sitting in China town and told my family “I finally feel as if going to be okay.” After a year long battle, thanks to lithium. It still brings tears to my eyes. I went off it on labor day and I’ve lost 30 pounds (I’m on lamotrigine) and my Bipolar will never haunt me again. I turn 18 next month. Without lithium, I wouldn’t be having any more birthdays. Funny how you uploaded this today.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Yes that is very interesting timing of this video. I’m glad the limo to Jean picked up where the less him left off for you. Yes the shaky hands can be a real problem especially for someone who uses their hands. It also can be embarrassing because it’s so noticeable. I’m glad you’re feeling so much better. Here’s to many more birthdays. 👍🏽

[@jessefaw]

lol

[@grapentine739]

Thank for sharing. You could have helped someone by sharing that

[@erikabennett2665]

Hold up, that's why I always tasted metal?!?! How did I not know this?

[@anniealex7965]

What was the dosage u had been taking ? Wish you well!

[@raphaeldantona1550]

Hi, there. I'm on lithium for about a month now, after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I almost shed in tears when you said it adresses suicidal thinking. It's true. One week after starting the medication, I couldn't be happier. All I could think is how my life could have been easier if I had searched proper treatment before.

[@vph6823]

What kind? Lithium carbonate? How's ur mood while ur on it? (I'm taking Lithium Carbonate and my mood is usually neutral while taking it)

[@ryankeefe1394]

You’re doing it now brother 🙏

[@lilyjane1011]

Or maybe the docs you saw should have proposed it to you?

[@gareaibrahim5039]

I really take advantage of what you share everyday, Keep it up mrs,Psychiatrist

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Oh I'm glad to know that. Keep taking advantage!🙂

[@pakistanis1782]

Appreciate video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Peyadison Initial Principality (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a good one off guide for discovering how to get rid of depression without the hard work. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my close friend Aubrey after a lifetime of fighting got cool results with it.

[@yourmajesty323]

@@DrTraceyMarks I was a patient at a mental health clinic and it all started when I first was diagnosed with anxiety from like over a year earlier after I drank some marijuana tea then I kept on drinking alcohol from their on and seems I was staying up online and wasn't getting enough sleep so it all comes crashing down on me and I started feeling terrible headaches and i was very dizzy like the entire room was spinning. When I went to the doctor he got tired of seeing me and finally sent me to the psychiatrist who diagnosed me with insomnia.

[@yourmajesty323]

@@DrTraceyMarks so the psychiatrist started prescribing different meds such as sleeping pills first midazolam which would completely stop my panic attacks because I remember telling the doc I felt like I'm dying. Midazolam would work but the headaches afterwords was terrible so they started prescribing melatonin and different pills . I stop going to the psychiatrist since they put me on cpz Which was the most terrible thing I ever expected. Now I gets very sleepy as soon as it reaches like 7 o clock and I found that I spelt on my own without meds even last night and it's being like over 8 months I've use meds. Thing is that if I listen music then it starts playing back in my head which is so annoying and causing me to can't sleep idk what it is and even though I sleep I'm still kinda not so energetic in the days . I only felt normal and very strong and wakeful when if I use Xanax

[@petejames1326]

@@DrTraceyMarks hi dr, does it help for MANIC depression or only bi polar? because im basically depressed all the time, i still have a full time job, and i never feel HAPPY to be honest, when i have a coffee i start talking more, but thats not MANIA, would lithium tablets like LITHICARB help me also? thanks

[@666Metalbassist]

As someone with bipolar disorder currently prescribed lithium, really glad to see accessible information out there. I greatly appreciate this.

[@beaglejuice5681]

Really hope it's working for you comrade

[@RCPMK]

One thing I gain from reading all the comments is how much of a challenge dr’s must have treating us. The variety of meds, symptoms, and how every person seems to react differently to treatment is fascinating. Thank you so much for this video ❤️

[@myfugitivecat]

Other doctors, especially the ones in my country must watch your videos and educate themselves. Not only for the knowledge you present and share but for the honesty and sincerety you possess. You're an awesome human being. Have a nice day and take care :)

[@madisongoodbody4064]

I’m 20 and have been on lithium for 2 years. I must have got lucky, because apart from excessive thirst, I’ve had zero side effects! I spent 4 years on anti psychotics that ruined my life with the side effects, so I am so happy to have finally found a medication that has saved my life. I haven’t had an episode in nearly 2 years. There is hope!

[@bricotico6498]

There is hope what dosage do you use

[@vph6823]

What's ur diagnosis? I have bipolar II

[@kevinmartin1990]

Sound amazing 🥺🥺🥹🥹

[@madisongoodbody4064]

@@vph6823 bipolar 1

[@madisongoodbody4064]

@@bricotico6498 800mg, which is upped to 1g in the winter

[@tesoromio85]

This video has been so helpful, so as always thank you. My experience with Lithium was horrible at first, I was taking the immediate release capsules and I would start vomiting about a half hour after taking it, in addition, I was constantly urinating-to the point of bed wetting, also I was shaking so bad I couldn't hold a glass of water without it falling to the ground. I asked if there was an extended release that I could try and was switched immediately. My life has changed so drastically for the better. I had to be taken off of my Lisinopril by my cardiologist for drug interaction and once he saw that I was taking Lithium he asked how it was going with the drug and without even thinking I replied "amazing". It has changed my life for the better and I no longer slack on taking my medication because I know that I have finally found a treatment that works. Thank you for your insight on the topic, and please continue making these awesome videos.

[@thanows]

Hello, I am about to start lithium and I am a bit sceptic. Do you have some side effects from the slow release medicine? Did it change your life for the better?

[@SS-lg7hq]

I just want to give my experience. I don’t think I have classic bipolar but was probably closest to that when I was younger. I started developing mixed features about 8 years ago when my mom died. At that time I sought treatment for a second time at the request of my primary care. I was put on lamictal, which turned out to be horrible for me. I dropped off medicine for about 18 months. I finally agreed to give Lithium a try. OMG I can’t believe the difference it has made. My suicidal thinking is gone, my anxiety is not gone but reduced, unfortunately my euphoria is also greatly reduced but it has given me hope for the future. I am sleeping better. I just wanted to give my experience for someone else who may be going through a similar experience.

[@bestrongandloveyourself2370]

Thank you! ❤️🙏

[@pamelapayne5285]

Yes lithium is great

[@nanakrisdoggie7375]

Any acne ?

[@jenng5925]

Thank you for this. I’ve been taking lithium for 13 years. It was the second mood stabilizer my doctor tried and was the best option for me.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're welcome Jennifer. I'm so glad it's working out for you. 🙂

[@ziggeyn405]

do you have kids lithium 400 mg .. does it cause anything bad realted to marriage

[@jenng5925]

Yes I have a son. The disorder had a negative effect on my marriage. When I was first diagnosed, the therapist suggested that I not make any life changing decisions but I didn’t listen.

[@kaseylockridge2992]

I take 900mg of lithium a day been taking it for almost 20 years.ijs

[@theradicalaxe553]

@@kaseylockridge2992 Liquid version?

[@tealcat7819]

Lithium orotate is like a mineral supplement. 5mg a day + magnesium really helps calm the nerves and feel grounded. No negative side affects so far for me. Increased apetite, thirst and a bit of nausea maybe, but it helps negate bad thoughts.

[@RCPMK]

I’m surprised 5mg does anything. Maintenance dose is usually 600-900 mg a day. I might try supplementing with magnesium tho

[@NorthTonawanda1]

@@RCPMK --- You're comparing apples and oranges. Orotate is FAR more bioavailable and absorbable than carbonate. It's the biggest mistake people make in trying to compare the two.

[@avril.227]

I love lithium Orotate! As someone who hates SSRIs, it works very well for mood. I take 10 mg of lithium Orotate. It is not toxic. It doesn’t have the side effects like lithium carbonate. I’m not sure why she mentioned that. Completely wrong.

[@NorthTonawanda1]

@@avril.227--- She's trying to be a good little establishment doctor, poo pooing over such "unconventional heresy," Doctors Suck, generally.

[@Rosalies_]

Lithium never made me feel any different, physically, but in terms of treatment it was so effective.

[@amandamorgan7049]

PATIENT QUESTION BELOW: Thank you Dr Marks, for this very clear presentation. In my experience, there is a lot of detail that doctors dont tell you when prescribing lithium. Ive been on lithium carbonate for 37 years (I'm 53) and have thyroid and kidney issues and diabetes insipidus, all being treated. Also weight issues! My question is what data is there about taking lithium for a really long time, say for the rest of my life? This would be 60+ years. Are there patients who have had lithium as elderly people? Thanks again for the great work you are doing with these videos 😊

[@lucretiz]

Beautiful it's so nice to see someone who looks like me talking about psychiatric education thank you so much

[@InnaVitamina777]

♡♡♡

[@tehufn]

You care too much about looks hmm? (Just teasing)

[@zanzah_]

And what about the information she is conveying?

[@jvdtempel]

Great series on bipolar! Would be great to see a video discussing hyperreligiosity and spiritual/religious experience in mania. Not just the phenomenology (which often overlaps with normal spiritual/religious experience, e..g., sense of oneness, synchronicity, divine mission), but also the difficulties of making sense of these experiences after the fact. It can be a lifelong struggle to reconcile having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorder with what are often extremely meaningful and compelling insights gained in these experiences. Integrating them in healthy, adaptive ways (e.g., balancing spiritual and medical appraisals) is a challenge for both clients and practitioners, especially in secular cultures where shared religious beliefs and communities aren't often available or appropriate.

[@jdl2180]

Very true, just because your bipolar doesn't mean that the experiences you may have are not real.

[@thehitmaster102]

True​@@jdl2180

[@missalyrae]

Can you please talk about the relationship of bipolar disorder and memory loss and what can be done to try to minimize memory loss? I’m very interested in their correlation.

[@rayswoodshop4467]

I agree, my memory is terrible.

[@lukaskongstad2838]

I feel you. I have huge ass holes in my “story”. Makes it a little uncomfortable to talk to people at times.

[@cats_shall_rise8842]

I know during depression your brain can stop encoding memories. 🙁

[@joqiii3]

@Emma Goldman Try brain wellness exercise like crossword puzzles, exercise, coloring, try to write some poetry just a few lines, etc. Exercise is probably the best.

[@trinityrxd5851]

Dudeee same my memory is terrible!!

[@neurosophy]

I hope you see this comment, and I will keep it brief. I have primarily the atypical features described in your other video. My two big episodes were both psychotic with mixed features. I do not return to a nice functional baseline between episodes, and I have several comorbid conditions. But lithium works wonders for me; my episodes start to resolve within days, and it's been a very effective maintenance treatment. Anticonvulsants didn't do much at all, and antipsychotics made my symptoms worse. If I'd been trialed on lithium sooner it would have spared me a lot of suffering. You should emphasize that this is a heuristic, not a rule, and it's something to bear in mind in your practice. I tend to think lithium is underutilized and I'm sure there are others like myself who don't fit the classic picture but are nonetheless strong lithium responders, who are effectively being harmed by their medication regimens while they cycle through ineffective drugs when the first-line treatment hasn't been tried.

[@kristinpbohna6015]

Thank you ❤ I am dx both schizophrenic, and bipolar. Also a personality disorder. I nearly died from PE after receiving an injection of a powerful drug made by Pfizer (I'm not going to say which, for legal and ethical reasons) and I collapsed the next day, in cardiac arrest. I was 48 years old and I exercise daily. While inside of a psychiatric ward, at the beginning of covid, I was admitted and the staff removed the lunch tables and chairs to adhere to suggested "social distancing" and put in collapsible tables, and heavy chairs. The staff got to wear a mask of their choice, while me and my fellow patients were never given any masks. I would have worn it. It's nearly impossible to be 6 feet away from everyone, including the staff.. I had been researching high dose Lithium in conjunction with NAC to fully treat "mental illness". I have some bad genetic mutations, and no one in my immediate family was ever dx with a "mental illness". My older brother shows signs of narcissism, AND I believe he's a psychopath to boot. My younger brother has OCD that's untreated. I'm the middle child (the scapegoat for my mother, father and my older brother) but we live in OH and NC respectively. Both of my brothers ended up living 5 miles apart in Raleigh. I have 3 nieces from my older brother (17 months older than I) and 2 nephews born thru IVF. My folks passed, and they lived here in Ohio and rented a condo in NC for the winter, to spend time with their grandkids. My ex and I couldn't have children naturally, and I was going to counseling to deal with infertility issues. I was placed on various antidepressants, benzodiazepines, pain meds and muscle relaxers, to treat the issues with my CNS. and I take Coumadin for life to prevent another deadly blood clot. I take 275mg of Seroquel total, and I have been on Seroquel b4. It made me ravenously hungry and I put on 90 lbs. In less than a year. Right now I am taking a divided dose. It does help w anxiety, and I like to treat illnesses with targeted supplements. For example, high BP and high cholesterol. I'm able to check my warfarin at home, and I got a new primary care physician. My old one served me with papers, saying I was 'noncompliant' (I missed 2 scheduled office visits while in the hospital being treated for covid) and it took 3 MONTHS for me to find a new PCP in-network. So my conditions went untreated for about 4 or 5 months, and I take quite a few supplements. I depend on an integrative medicine doctor for my Armour thyroid and bio-identical progesterone cream, but I already have dry mouth and recurrent corneal erosions which can be very painful. Tylenol is all I can take.. And I sometimes have migraine headache s but now due to "the opioid epidemic" I will not be treated for my spinal column, which is giving me trouble. I refused gabapentin for the nerve damage in my feet . My father took it, but it was still painful for him to walk. I believe I MIGHT be bipolar2, and when daylight savings time kicks in I tend to be dysthymic. I have only been manic & OCD while tapering off the rest of my benzo. Cog fog and insomnia, plus SAD may be my issue. A circadian rhythm issue is not easy to dx and treat. I believe I have one, but my physicians disagree. A sleep study and hearing tests were ordered, and my agoraphobia gets to the highest point in winter. What I need is a warmer climate. I am 5"7 and 132 lbs. Long covid made food unappealing, and until I get my colonoscopy/upper endoscopy done, there's no valid reason why I lost 90 lbs in the last 2 years. I just kept shoveling the food in, but anhedonia made me eat sweets again. Having to keep moving due to the akathisia. I'm probably going to try Lithium, along with some nutritional interventions suggested by my current psychiatrist and my integrative medicine doctor.

[@felicityd5131]

Mic drop

[@Andrea-tu4cn]

Thank you so much for breaking this down for us. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I a year ago and have been trying to pick up the pieces of my life since then. I wish my psychiatrist had the time to explain all of this information before I was put on lithium. He really wanted to take me off of depakote when I got out of the hospital because he just had something against any woman of child bearing age take it. I really wish I had stayed on it now though because I have been realizing that about half of all my mood episodes are mixed. Thank you for such an enlightening video, I plan on bringing up the mixed mood episodes in my next appointment.

[@chillie000]

Did you bring it up with your psychiatrist?

[@TampaJohn]

I’ve been on Lithium since I was diagnosed with BPD in 2015. I’m so thankful for it. When I was manic, I did some really dangerous and damaging things. When I was depressed, I was suicidal at times. I’ve been hospitalized in a mental institution twice. Since, I have had some “moments”, but nothing even close to the way I was. I do love Advil, so I will have to look into taking something else. Thanks for the info.

[@mariapuscasu1157]

So how is for u now that u Take lithium ? I have Bpd and anxiety and i want to Take it

[@TampaJohn]

M P Well, I explained it in the second part of my comment. It has leveled off my mania significantly. I take the max dose of Xanax for my anxiety.

[@noxprsn]

Other tips for lithium survival: Salty foods and beverages, ice water, taking it all at bed time, lab tests every 6 months, taking on a full stomach, taking electrolytes

[@shyb4b4]

not taking it is the safest way

[@El-vd7np]

@@shyb4b4 given that it's proven to prevent suicide, taking it if it works to treat your bipolar or unipolar depression is significantly safer

[@WhitneyAbrina]

Why salty foods?

[@noxprsn]

@@WhitneyAbrina The body will use lithium in place of salt if there is not enough salt. That leads to trouble talking in me, and I guess it's lithium toxicity. I drink a large amount of V8 which has high sodium, and I feel better.

[@rachna0367]

@@El-vd7np I agree I want to suicide everyday...side effects will be there but at least I'll feel good

[@thedogroll]

I am a veterinarian with type 2 bipolar, with clear ups and downs. I'm slowly transitioning from sodium valproate to lithium and I'm really appreciating it. Sodium valproate made me feel hazy. Transition is clearing my head. Diabetes incipidus would be a minor inconvenience. And I appreciate your response on OTC medications with potentially lethal overdose consequences. We see animals juiced up by their owners on OTC medications to toxic levels commonly. Please always seek PROFESSIONAL advice people. That's why we study and train for so many years.

[@23bpg28]

Hey what animals do you treat?

[@gogoletsgodarling]

I know this video is from 4 years ago but this popped up on my feed as I was explaining why I stay on lithium. My tardive dyskinesia was showing last night so my friend was asking what the benefits were since the side effects can be so severe. Lithium saved my life. I love your channel! Not only does it help me understand things but it helps my friends understand me better too.

[@pialeroy8360]

Lithium makes me think of the song

[@paulflint6254]

Evanescence, and Nirvana lol

[@michaelh404]

The real one or the Evanescence one?

[@hollymcdermott2785]

“I’m so happy”

[@tauyang9561]

Liiiiiithiummmm liiiiiiithiiium

[@emmab1594]

Yess! Its One of my favorite songs by nirvana

[@jackcliff9300]

Thank you so much for making this video. I actually went to counseling today, and she is going to suggest to my APA that I switch to lithium. I subscribed to your channel and plan to keep watching them.

[@jjones7396]

This is a great channel.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks so much J Jones 😊

[@jjones7396]

@@DrTraceyMarks You're welcome!

[@abc_cba]

The best channel I subscribed to in 2020 of the nearly hundreds that I did ! You're such an amazing doctor. All cheers from India 🇮🇳

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Awesome!! Thank you so much. 😊❤️

[@oathofthedagger]

i'd love to see a video about bipolar disorder in teens! teens can have different experiences with bipolar disorder, so i think it'd be good to make a video so teens and their parents can learn.

[@Trevor_7777]

Merry Christmas. Meeting you was the most wonderful thing that has happened to me. You give me Euphoria, Gratitude, Admiration, Enthusiasm, Happiness, Satisfaction, Amusement. You are an amazing person & An amazing human bean. May all your dreams and wishes are fulfilled. I wish you heartfelt wishes & blessings towards your way. I pray that you receive more than you have hoped for and asked for. I am thankful for giving me the unique opportunity to be able to wish you a heartfelt wishes & blessing towards your way and I pray that You will continue to bestow blessings of health and joy, successes in your life. have an amazing Christmas with your family, friends, And everyone that you love dearly. I am wishing you many more blessings towards your ways.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Wow Trevor thanks for all the blessings and beautiful words. I did have a wonderful Christmas with my family and I hope you had a blessed Christmas as well. Thank you.

[@xDa9Lx]

Hahah, hypomanic episode warning

[@Stephanitly11]

This was really informative! As I’m on lithium bicarbonate right now, it’s worked better than Seroquel, personally. Thank you for this information!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome Stephanie. I’m glad it was informative for you.

[@MuMu-fu7qe]

I feel traumatized by seroquel. I'm scared to try Lithium now because of my bad experience with seroquel.

[@nichollle]

my doc started me on lithium right away and it definitely has been helping me with my mania for a little over a year now.

[@crystaladdams8267]

how it going?

[@lebrown113]

Thank you for all your hard work, Dr. Marks!

[@tutaalbannuta2427]

Your channel is the best I found so far.

[@bbdriftsongs]

I really appreciate your videos, your approach to sharing this information and the fact that you’re making this content. A big thank you. Happy holidays.

[@ashleyer9393]

Thank you.. Lithium doesnt seem to make me gain much weight. It helps me keep a healthy weight because for some reason when i am imbalanced, i cant eat anything because i have no appetite...

[@attlee2010]

This dr is first class. Wish she was my doc.

[@Zanyotaku]

I needed a review for a psych nursing exam where we’ll need to assess the pros and cons of some treatments, this video helped clear up things, thank you!

[@mvdum29]

Thank you for your videos, Dr. Marks. I've been taking my meds religiously and always wondered why the doc wouldn't give me lithium, and now I know.

[@christinew4360]

I take Lithium for my Bipolar with mixed features. It has served me well the last 10 years, paired with Lamotrogine. I tried several antipsychotics in the past but developed life threatening side effects so they clearly are a no go for me. The tremor is what bothers me the most, followed by intense sensitivity to the sun. Thank you for the informational video.

[@marguigarza]

What about when PMDD frequently gets misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder?? I believe lithium and lamictal made me totally unstable.

[@brigardner7299]

Dr. Marks, thanks for this video. I got off Lithium for that same reason you mentioned about the thyroid. For me, it wasn't worth it.

[@jolenereader5527]

I’m just thinking out loud here. I was on lithium for 15 years. I was put on it after a suicide attempt. I have borderline personality disorder with bipolar. But after I was put on lithium I was still hitting hard up’s and down’s for like 6 year’s. With therapy I finally started having 6 month or more break’s. Where I felt normal, happy and thought clearly. Then I would I would either drop into a suicidal depression or an out of control mania. My levels have maybe been checked about 10 times in fifteen year’s. Why didn’t any off my doctor’s suggest something else. As a patient I didn’t question it. Then I had to see a spine surgeon. I had been having severe back pain and muscle spasm’s for year’s. I took a lot of ibuprofen. Until I met this guy. He refused to give 800 mg ibuprofen if I continued lithium. My pain was severe. So I told my psychiatrist and we decided to take me off of lithium. That was scary. There are absolutely no physical side effects coming off lithium. But there are mental. I went into mania 3 weeks off. That lasted a month. I then hit suicidal depression I haven’t dealt with in over 10 year’s. The mental anguish was indescribable. I just wanted it to stop. That lasted about 2 month’s. I refused any antipsychotic’s because I wanted to know who I was without out it. I finally came back to normal and happy. I have been stable with just 400mg of lamictal everyday for 5 months now. In the middle of this my liver count was off for months and my psychiatrist was scared because she knew that she had mismanaged my medication for almost 10 years. She checked my lithium levels about 5 time’s during that period. So in my opinion. I don’t think that the lithium ever worked or I just wasn’t on an effective dose because I was never checked. Mental illness is so far behind. I’m now 45 yrs old. The best help I received was therapy. I wonder all the time if the lithium had ever worked. Was I just winging it on my own with therapy for 15 years!? While this medication took its toll on my body! My liver is still off, but my thyroid seem’s to have settled. So that’s good I guess. MY LESSON IN ALL OF THIS. QUESTION EVERYTHING! BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE AND RESEARCH EVERYTHING THAT IS GIVEN TO YOU! I MAY NEED MEDICATION IN THE FUTURE BUT FOR NOW IAM ENJOYING LIFE WITHOUT ANTIPSYCHOTICS! I CAN NOW HAVE AN EDUCATED DISCUSSION WITH A DIFFERENT PSYCHIATRIST IF MY BP ACTS UP AGAIN.

[@lins_z2]

I have bipolar II. I’ve had lamotrigine/venlafaxine in the past, but it made me feel so awful even if I missed it for an hour. I hated the brain zaps they gave me and lamotrigine specially makes me fill shitty. I tried with lithium this year and while it lifted me from the whole I was in, I hated the muscle weakness, the metallic feeling, the headaches, and lack of creativity and feeling like numb. I was already taking less than the dosage to reach the ideal concentration in the blood. The headaches were awful, one of the worse I’ve had. We tried raising the dosage and it was even worse. My psychiatrist said my body would adjust and while the muscle weakness improved, the headaches didn’t, and I was always needing at least 9 to 10 hours of sleep, which was unreasonable for me. We tried cutting back on the quetiapine, and I absolutely cut it out after reaching the lowest dosage I could. Still overly tired. Sadly, while it helped me to cope for a few months and the suicidal thoughts and hopelessness, the side effects were too much to keep taking it long term (we tried for 6 months). Sadly still can’t find something appropriate and better than just not taking anything, which also sucks because of the constant fear of falling back to depression and how tiresome hypomania can be sometimes :(

[@cheshirecat742]

Love your videos, merry Christmas. When I was on lithum I know personally I felt more suicidal depression, and was depressed more often. So I stopped taking it, but I was also a teen when I was on it. My advice to anyone is make sure whatever drug you're on that it's right for you, don't do what I did and lie to the psychologist cause you're tired of changing drugs. I haven't taken any meds since, but I have learned how to deal with my bipolar. For instance I know I can't be anywhere near social media while manic or I'll get myself in trouble, and usually best to avoid it more so when I'm depressed. Again love your videos they're always great.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Hi Cheshire cat. Thanks a lot for your comment and for watching my videos. I wonder if you had a similar reaction to lithium that teens can have to antidepressants as far as feeling more suicidal. I’m glad though that you’ve been able to manage without medication and you know what your episodes look like. I talk about that a little in a video I did on three signs your mania is coming. I talk about recognizing early signs so that you can make an intervention before it gets out of hand. Sounds like that’s what you’re already doing that. Good for you.

[@cheshirecat742]

@@DrTraceyMarks ya it probably was, and overall I tend to have my bipolar under control because I learned how to tell when I'm manic or depressed, which really helps. Although thankfully I basically never get the horrible not able to sleep part of manic. I can imagine that gets really rough at times, since I know I have issues if I don't sleep enough the whole day.

[@RCPMK]

I gave up social media for that and many other reasons...way too triggering and yes always the possibility of posting way too much or saying horrible things

[@cheshirecat742]

@@RCPMK Ya like the news, no one really cares to talk about the good things, they always focus on the bad things. That or someone tries to talk about their drama and force you into it.

[@tomcleverley18]

Thanks again for your time and thoughtful videos. GOD bless you and your loved ones and may you have a very Merry Christmas

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you so much Tom 😊

[@cindywannamaker5299]

Dr Mark's, can you do an episode on particular mood stabilizers and side effects. Which are DOC and reasons. Thanks. Love your channel!

[@janets7291]

Just found out my cousin has bipolar II, alcoholism AND borderline personality disorder. He has always been wracked with psychiatric illness, now it's all been labelled. He's always been super non compliant with treatments of any kind. He's had a sad life.

[@ErinBrookes]

It’s strange because I seem to present atypical and mixed features. But lithium has been working for me for years. I’m a lot more stable than I used to be.

[@DisabledPsychedelica]

Can you please make a video on how unipolar and bipolar depression differ? I sometimes feel like bipolar depression is more complex and intense than the unipolar depression of my friends.

[@usererror5247]

Great video Tracey!! I am on lithium for my bipolar disorder 2 - I never knew the side effects but I never thought to look it up either. However, I do make sure every doctor I see knows all my meds since interactions can be scary. Keep up the great work and information!! I turn to you when I’m down to help me understand what is going on with myself. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and happy new year!!!!

[@donnaholman4538]

I’ve taken lithium twice a long time ago. The first time I lost weight and the 2nd time I drank 9-10 Pepsi’s a day and gained weight like crazy. I didn’t eat at all

[@magnesiumboron2891]

Pls make a video on anti-psychotics (e. g. Quietiapine)

[@Synicizm]

Yep, was put on Vraylar recently. Still trying to remember having a manic episode ever, but oh well. Would be great to know more.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks for the suggestion. Anything specific you’re wanting to know about them? I talk in general about using mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/enu4Y6mfnNZ_ra8 But I don’t walk through each one and give pros and cons of each drug.

[@fortune2673]

@@DrTraceyMarks I would like to hear your thoughts on low-dose (specifically Quietiapine) as a sleep aid when one doesn't have psychotic symptoms or bipolar disorder. I personally suffer from PTSD/insomnia/nightmare and it is just SO effective at putting me to sleep within an hour, I sometimes wonder if it is "mentally addictive" if that makes any sense. I know I will fall asleep guaranteed and that sometimes makes me wary as if it possibly could have physical addictive components I don't know about. The morning fogginess/hangovers some days truly do affect my ability to focus even at a low 12.5mg. Just a general take on it as a sleep aid would be awesome. Edit: Does this specific medication have any connection to possibly Causing depression in those that never suffered before? It is such a powerful medication yet so effective for PTSD/sleep sufferers however I wonder if it can trigger some sort of depressive response in some cases. Thanks Dr. Marks

[@magnesiumboron2891]

@@DrTraceyMarks Thank you! I've been watching your videos since I had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 1. It truly helps! Pls make more videos anything about Bipolar Disorder. Wishing you more blessings in life. More power!!

[@shydawghanbowski4683]

Will you touch the subject of being crazy vs being experimented on by secret technology the literature is available

[@sandrahill5376]

Lithium breaks me out like crazy. Worse than when I was a teenager. I’ve also gained a ton of weight. I love the lithium it’s helped me control my moods but it also sucks at the same time lol

[@TheMakeupnerd77]

I legit had to start taking accutane because my skin stopped responding to topicals especially after (now ~2 years) of lithium use. Accutane is so fricking exhausting and destabilizing, for me at least, but my skin is starting to improve. ALSO bonkers thing is you're not supposed to take much tylenol on accutane, so if you're also on lithium you have like no regular pain killers available. Gotta love trying to stabilize mood but then getting depressed from acne lol. Sorry to rant, but I'm here in solidarity and hope you find something that works for you. Best of luck!

[@sandrahill5376]

@@TheMakeupnerd77 everyone needs a good rant once in a while. It's exhausting having a mood disorder medicated or not. I think it's the frustration of having to be medicated and then to top it all off - adult acne. So yea rant away :-)

[@jennyrose9454]

Yeah being fatter and pimple will make anyone depressed right?

[@sws316]

I was on lithium for 5 years. I decided to go off due to how severe the side effects got. I had to pee once an hour when I was awake, and my need to urinate in the morning would make me get out of bed earlier than I wanted to. My tremors were affecting my handwriting and I couldn’t hold things with one hand. Going off of this medication as well as Olanzapine was the best decision I ever made in my life. I can go a few hours without peeing now and my tremors are gone (or they’re so slight I don’t notice them). I was also experiencing pre symptoms of tardive dyskinesia from the Olanzapine which have also gone away. I’m thankful I didn’t stay on them for life because I didn’t need them anymore and I would have caused permanent damage to my body from taking them.

[@darrenherring7788]

I have been taking lithium for nearly 5 years now it has damaged my thyroid and has upset my physical health. I should be gaining more weight and have lost over 15kg in 3 months I have stopped lithium and now looking for a replacement.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Yeah but what were your symptoms before you took lithium?

[@faerieivy]

I was on lithium for 15 yrs. It gave permanent muscle disorder. I have chronic kidney disease. My memory sucks. Lithium, and God saved me. The outcome, out weights what could happened.

[@RCPMK]

For whatever reason lithium stopped working for me (I have severe issues with paradoxical reactions to medications long term) but while I was on it the side effects were a bit much for me. Weight gain and thinning hair within a few months and extreme decrease in dexterity of my hands. As well as feeling very medicated.

[@Senimsaj]

I have Bipolar 2 Rapidcycling and Lithium gave me hyperthyroidism (that has improved since quitting lithium). I lost 50 lbs in about 2 months! 😳 It was impossible to regulate my body temperature (constant cold sweats) which didn’t allow me to get any sleep! I am terrified of the risks of lithium too, and will never take it again.

[@danielkron2513]

Just got prescribed lithium with sertralin after excruciating year of trying out different drugs and combinations (lamotrigine, valproate, duloxetine, setraline, quetiapine, aripiprazole), none were good enough. Thanks from moscow for an informative video :): *RIP my kidneys tho*

[@BubbIinHot]

Hey how is it going so far? My partner got the go ahead today to see if he is suitable for lithium.

[@danielkron2513]

@@BubbIinHot weakness, suicide attempt and thirst. I'm kinda starting to believe that i am screwed. But i think Li is a good drug so fear not

[@danielkron2513]

@Farvaa Shahh kidneys surprisingly are ok, i've been diagnosed like 2 years ago, for the past 2 months i was taking 900mg/day of lithium, atm im taking nothing

[@danielkron2513]

@Farvaa Shahh i was taking with sertralin. Lithium levels were in the therapeutic range

[@HeArtLesSAnGeL088]

I'm on duloxetine now and I'm looking to switch ASAP. I feel like it's stopped working for me. I've been on it for 3 years now. How did you feel on it if you don't mind me asking? I feel like there's not much of a change, but when I tried to switch meds I got violently ill.

[@rebeccadivers1924]

Thanks for this. I've been on lithium for a while I do good on it. I need to get my levels checked.

[@leslycastro4852]

Thanks Dr. Tracey for this video! I’ve been on Lithium and Quetiapine since February this year as I had a very severe Manic episode (first one) with mixed features. I was prescribed with Lithium before the mixed features appeared and my doc gave me many sleeping medications before eventually prescribing quetiapine, such as olanzapine. I was taking lithium during the mixed episode. She said I must take Lithium and Quetiapine together now (long term) since I had a very bad episode this time leading to a BD 1 diagnosis from BD 2 type. I am in a very stable set of mind now, I’m still in therapy and I’ve changed unhealthy habits (emotional, mental and physical) in order to keep myself this way (euthimic). I was already aware of short term and long term effects of Lithium and my question to you is: is there any hope for BD patients to stop taking these drugs for the long term? Like, I don’t wanna take lithium and Quetiapine for the next 60 years of my life for example. What’s the prognosis for us? Would it be possible to live off drugs eventually based on plant-based diets, healthy lifestyle (physical, emotional and mental). In my experience my episodes were always triggered by high levels of stress (academic or work) and had almost nothing to do with my environment (aka family, work or friends relationships). I’ve learned big deal how to deal with stress now in comparison to before, so I think I can manage it way better now. Thanks for any input! I love your channel!

[@ronaldsanjuan8174]

I think you are in a good path. Keep trying until you find the lifestyle that suits you better.

[@ciscobriano]

Lesly Castro it seems olanzapeen was invented to only slow down the GENIUS SIDE of those with BP. And if you quit taking it...... well look up what people who quit using heroin look and their side effects. That is what happens to those who quit using Olanzapeen! Is that planned? How is that different than making a street drug? The effects are disgusting and my team is trying to figure out if the creators of this pill did that on purposes . To make it so addictive , that if you quit that pill, then they make sure you get those “withdrawals” so you get back on it. Our team has come to realize there are evil scientist out there and there are pure and good scientist trying to help and not sell a pill. Our goal is to prove this in our lab. Your in my prayers Lesley.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Hi Lesly. Some people can do well off medication for years at a time. I do think a healthy diet and being very vigilant about your sleep helps with this process. Another thing that also helps is staying on a routine. I talk about this issue of whether or not you have to continue on medication in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnPXaZSrjt92kJo Also you may want to look at using dark therapy to help stay on a regular sleep routine. I talk about that in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKewgaupqdtrntU

[@nitakate10]

Lesly Castro Stress is my trigger,I just fall to pieces and can't work. Lithium is working 450 mg but huge weight gain. Quetiapine just makes me sleep and sleep I don't function. I'm bipolar 2 and I'm 49 years old. Goodluck to you sweetheart. Just love Dr Tracey my saviour 🙏

[@ciscobriano]

Typos corrected :/

[@hparamesh]

Thanks 🙏🏾 a lot. I have heard that Lithium orotate is a safer form of Lithium which doesn’t cause weight gain or thyroid issues. I was on Lithium it made me gain 25# & screwed up my thyroid. Best decision I made was to stopping Lithium never go there again. Now I’m on Latuda atypical antipsychotic & works 👍🏾.

[@michaelwerner7252]

Tracey knows what she speaks about. She is well informed. No bullshit talk

[@Ihateganondorf]

I’ve been on lithium for 7 years. I started at a very low dose, but I’m on a higher dose now. It was working, but now I have a lot of side effects that are not worth it. Diabetes insipidus, acne, increased thirst, fatigue, and weight gain. The past two months the fatigue has been nearly unmanageable. Hoping to change meds soon.

[@ashleystevens4253]

I’ve been on lithium for two and a half months now and the fatigue is unbearable -

[@rachna0367]

@@ashleystevens4253 the problem is If bipolar PPL don't take meds they want to die if they take then side effects :(( I hope there's better treatment soon

[@jonbovimalkovich1474]

Eat better and take walks

[@aquariusgm2371]

I hope to get an answer from Dr.Marks here. First thing-how a non-verbal, autistic person, with epilepsy( petit mal) could be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder? Second question-based on above mentioned diagnosis, the patient gets a handful of medication( Lithium, Respiridone, Valproic Acid and a few more) and his health problems reached such a state that he is not able to properly stand up, walk, he has "parkinson' s " tremors, which prevent him to properly feed himself, he drools quite a bit. Recently he ended up in the hospital, because he collapsed a few times. I wonder-if his meds would be either decreased or stopped( there was a suggestion to stop Lithium, which was given in the smallest dose) right away, would he experience " withdrawal" of that drug? He seems depressed, even cries , not interested in things he used to enjoy, even not responding to his family. I will greately appreciate your answers, Dr.Marks. If someone has valuable suggestions, pls feel free and let me know. Thank you!

[@kokkinomalli]

I didn't have a very good experience with lithium unfortunately, but have been on valproate + an SGA for several years with good success. I'm going to be titrating off of the valproate soon as my partner and I are thinking of having kids in the new year which is super exciting! I'd love a video on treating BPAD in pregnancy. Thanks for the video! Great hearing other people's experiences with lithium too :)

[@becasnowflake2229]

Thank you for all your videos. My son hasn’t been diagnosed with bipolar but it’s something the team that helps me with him and I have suspected for a long time. I feel like the mental health system has failed us. When he has that down it’s sounds like a mixture of mania with depression. He does super crazy things like trying to brake into to homes, stealing from me, fighting with anyone, is on probation with GPS and still try’s to get out of the house.... among many other things. I’ve taken him to Childrens hospital before for being suicidal and even though he’s text me things like this will be over soon and you won’t ever have to worry about me. They let him out saying he’s not sympathetic, then he tried to jump off my running car... I want him to get the proper help but at this point I don’t know where to turn. I know there’s more then just depression and anxiety going on with him. He’s behavior goes up and down.

[@nikkifrye7599]

Oh dear parent! I feel your struggle. Looks like your comment was posted three years ago and I hope things have gotten better or at least leveled out for your son and your family. My family is going through at this time with my 15 year old granddaughter. It is hard to know what to do and not do or the young person. The mental health/behavioral support Industry is so drug driven. We were so cautious about the meds. We let them put granddaughter on as she went in and out of facilities. It seemed that the psychiatrist just suggested meds by any Meany Miny Moe. In fact, one doctor said we should put her on Prozac because she wants to try it. When I asked granddaughter what she knew about this medication, she said that she liked the name, that it was cool. This was not reason enough for grandma, who is constantly reading and researching these medication‘s/diagnoses/treatment plans. Insurance companies rarely pay for natural approaches for our teenagers, but will willingly throw lots of money towards the pharmaceutical industry that is drugging our children. Long story short, six months ago, we said yes to medication‘s and things have gone from bad to worse. Granddaughter says the medication‘s make her feel better. But, she is moving into more risky, impulsive and dangerous behavior. The psychiatrist has given her yet another diagnosis, and this time put her on lithium along with the other three meds she is taking. My heart feels for my granddaughter, and for every other young person facing these challenges. Pray, when the storm clouds gather overhead! Sometimes I ask granddaughter to tell me how many clouds are in the sky. We have fun with this sometimes, and it is always noted that the clouds don’t stay forever, but continue to pass on by.

[@dmtdreamz7706]

Ecstasy is not just extreme pleasure. Ecstasy is the realization of immortality and the realization that everything is heaven. When you realize that it's so good. It's infinitely good. It's not just good, it's good to the infinite degree. It's so much goodness that you can't contain it, your body can't hold it, your entire body shakes and shudders in a cosmic orgasm of bliss. It's perfection. It's total peace. It's absolute love. That's truly ecstasy.

[@angelvalentynn]

I’m starting lithium tomorrow and I’m really scared, I hope it works. :( It’s my 7th time starting a new treatment because the last one didn’t work and I’m only 19 Edit: It worked too well and I got scared that I was losing myself and quit it. I tried controlling my bipolar with meditation and mindfulness and it obviously didn’t work so now I’m back on it. It’s my 3rd day now and I’m very shaky, hyper and my thoughts are very cloudy… I just gotta stick through it and I know everything’s gonna be okay.

[@jdl2180]

What else have you tried?

[@angelvalentynn]

@@jdl2180 Prozac, Zoloft, Risperdal, Wellbutrin and Adderall. On and off, different combinations. It’s been really hard for doctors to diagnose me I guess.

[@Catlily5]

Sometimes you have to try many things before you find what works for you!

[@angelvalentynn]

@@Catlily5 Thank you so much for that hun ❤️

[@Catlily5]

@@angelvalentynn Good luck!

[@Carlaspretty]

Awesome video and merry Christmas

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@juliasanchez9055]

Thank you for this info, my doctor is about to move me to lithium after being unsuccessful with most meds we've tried so far. Only thing that I have found useful is lamotragine, but that has produced very limited results. I'm worried about lithiums side effects, but if it can make me a normal functioning member of society, I can live with it.

[@igniscoepi8667]

Lithium doesn't seem worth it at all. My symptoms change frequently throughout the day right now due to stress so this wouldn't be helpful anyways.

[@MattyP84]

Appreciate the vid doc. Just diagnosed after dealing with it untreated for 20+ years and wondering what I was in for.

[@PersonalStatementPros]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video, Dr. Marks, I've been getting stuck trying to understand the many side effects of lithium. You've helped me understand quite a bit more, but I'm still confused about the specifics. *Disclaimer, I'm a first-year PA student and am just starting the psych module* I understand that acute/subacute side effects are due to neurotoxicity, but is this due to excessive inhibition of BDNF? I thought lithium (somehow) sensed the patient's BDNF level and potentiated (via the GSK3 pathway) or inhibited BDNF (via the PIP2/ISK3 pathway), so why does a high serum lithium level cause these neurotoxic effects? I understand the long-term nephrotoxic side effects and diabetes insipidus are due to a high serum concentration of lithium, especially if there is a reduced concentration of sodium (vomiting, diarrhea, ACEIs, ARBs, diuretics), but I am still confused about why lithium damages the thyroid? It seems like lithium's cardiac and dermatologic side effects can be linked to its effect on the thyroid as well, is this correct?

[@seafossil2221]

Lithium helped me out so much and I've never felt more in control of my emotions and impulse control. Things were great for about two years until I got badly over heated and dehydrated only one time. After that if I tried to take it my body would react and wouldn't let anything stay down in ten minutes or less.

[@melinamartins4419]

Hi! I've been taking 600mg of lithium since I was diagnosed with bipolarity (3 weeks ago). The good part of this is that I don't have much alucinations anymore, although I'm still a little bit paranoid. The bad one is (it's kind of funny to me in some way) that I'm feeling an urge to pee and I'm very thirsty ALL the time, don't matter how much water I drink. Next week I'm gonna see my doctor and tell these things, sure. I just wanted to know if there are any other medications that treats this symptoms of mania without so much side effects. Thanks very much for the videos. Hugs from Brazil.

[@verishimoto]

Oi melina, como esta? Me chame pra conversar, tomo lítio ha 3 anos já

[@melinamartins4419]

@@verishimoto Olá Lucas! Ainda não achei a melhor combinação de remédios não, tá meio complicado. Como tem sido pra ti? Já que usa a um bom tempo. Eu parei com o lítio, estava tomando 1200mg. Agr meu médico trocou a medicação pq não tava me fazendo bem mais, só efeito colateral. Como foi sua adaptação?

[@verishimoto]

@@melinamartins4419 eu uso 900mg hoje em dia. É bem complicado, mas eu me acostumei com os efeitos colaterais. Só fui começar a sentir efeito quando comecei a tomar o carbolithium cr 450 de liberação prolongada

[@melinamartins4419]

@@verishimoto É um tratamento bem dinâmico neh. Felizmente ou infelizmente. Vc toma mais algum?

[@Xankill3r]

I was prescribed Lithium when I initially got a Bipolar Type II diagnosis. The diagnosis has since been changed and I am no longer on it. My biggest problem with taking Lithium was the weird feeling of losing touch based senses - I guess now I know what being a Zombie would feel like.

[@dizzytel]

Could you go further into why unipolar and bipolar depression are considered different entities?

[@vishva8kumara]

I happen to be playing the song ‎Lithium by Evanescence on Rhythmbox at this same moment.

[@kimlavercombe2404]

i can only think of nirvanas lithium

[@myrasmama]

I love me some Evanescence!

[@kimlavercombe2404]

@@myrasmama oknoonelikeshershesucksatsinging

[@cloudrain3186]

A low dosed therapy with lithium oratate has no side effects and is much safer than using lithium carbonate with the same result. Some doctors are using this kind of treatment successful since many years.

[@sethmusick2807]

thanks for the free educational videos as a person with bipolar this is super helpful god bless.

[@LesRed]

My Dr and I decided to keep away from lithium because I had great concerns about the possible weight gain issue. I’ve been on Lamotrigine (mood stabiliser) 200mg 3x a day for 12yrs no side affects for me that I know off. I also take Quetiapine 25mg 4 x daily. Naturally I do suffer the ups and downs of bp but I’m sure Lamotrigine saved my life.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

I’ve seen a lot of good results with the lamotrigine. I’m glad it’s working for you.

[@Joyjoy-ih1ie]

Lamictal was my 1st experience and through the years they changed makers and it's not as good unfortunately. Now I'm on lithium. I really like the realness of her.

[@sgillman16]

@@DrTraceyMarks Lamictal was the only thing that worked for me.

[@ryanmurphy8787]

I was thinking of switching from lithium to lamotrigine but I read it can cause Steven Johnson’s syndrome, a severe skin reaction that can be deadly

[@LesRed]

@@ryanmurphy8787: Mr consultant explained the same he told me the risk was very low and if I started to even feel itchy we would stop immediately. I’ve been on it now for 11 years.

[@TepiLizard]

Oh wow! After starting to take Lithium Carbonate (as prescribed) about 15 months ago, I ended up gaining 40% of my then-weight in a five month period, and when trying to track down the issue ("It's not your thyroid;" it's never been my thyroid), I was told that while I wasn't diabetic, I *was* insulin resistant. Now, my mood has never been better in as long as I can remember - I still occasionally struggle with depression, and I've had a couple of bouts of feeling suicidal, but the manic episodes are pretty much gone, and generally I feel... fine. But the weight gain has been extreme (I've been borderline-anorexic since puberty, but still hugely overweight), and no one has been able to tell me why. The weight gain happened during a period where I was without insurance and *wasn't* on the Lithium, and it plateaued (but did not decrease much) after I went back on it. I don't know if thyroid supplements would work, but I didn't even know there was such a thing, and due to insurance, my Lithium levels haven't been as well monitored as they should be. I also deal with chronic pain (Fibromyalgia) that, in the last year, has become so extreme that I'm now bedbound 23 hours a day, at least. So, thank you for the incredibly informative video. It's provided me with some key things to discuss with my PCP, psychiatrist, and endocrinologist (when I can find the latter, in this new town). I look forward to seeing more of what you have to offer!

[@BobbyJamesX]

This was so insightful. Britney Spears recently claimed she was forced to take Lithium while under her abusive conservatorship. 💔

[@ZIMsar10]

Thanks for the video. I've been on Lithium Carbonate Capsules & the far superior, slow release, Priadel, here in New Zealand for what will be 40 years in August this year. However you didn't mention significant, bilateral hand tremor, which can become a full body tremor under stressful situations. This is very common. This is a socially debilitating problem, when people falsely accuse you of being on Illicit Drugs or someone going through Alcohol withdrawal who has the DT's, neither of which are true.

[@mlalch7026]

I am on Aripiprazole ( abilify)2 mg and Prozac 10 mg. I have so much nausea and no appetite. It is helping a but with the akithasia caused by abilify. I feel obsessive intrusive thoughts andb ruminating about past events and how others believe I mishandled them, and becoming afraid of future events. I am so afraid that after 6 weeks the restlessness persists .

[@RCPMK]

Abilify gave unbelievable restlessness and crazy legs. Was maddening

[@thelittlegreenball6813]

I have been on various meds and then was put on Lithium. Within 5 months I couldn't get out the bathtub, muscle weakness, very drugged. I began shaking like Parkinson's disease. I stopped taking it which got my doctor mad. 😃 I am on Seroquel and getting muscle strength back after 6 months! Lithium was horrible for me.

[@brittaolson6550]

I take Lithium, and it has given me my life back. I get all of the milder side effects, but I don’t know what I would do if I started getting any of the serious ones. It feels like a life and death matter, because of the lack of judgement and impulsiveness of mania, combined with delusions, both manic and depressive. When I started on Lithium, I felt like myself before my early teen onset of Bipolar 1 (in a good way).

[@theapothecary777]

I'm probably gonna go on it soon. Seeing this was really uplifting for me. I feel like I've lost myself since the onset of my illness, and I'd do anything to feel like I did when I was a teen again perceptually.

[@rachna0367]

@@theapothecary777 same here I first hit major depression at 19 I recovered without meds then at 23 dysthymia started I was not happy but no suicidal thoughts no hopelessness but since 2019 after panic attack bipolar started ... impulsive shopping , regrets of pasts, crying spells , hopelessness , suicidal thoughts an going to start treatment soon I hope meds give me my life back ..I wake up daily n cry ..it's unbearable especially head heaviness.

[@theapothecary777]

@@rachna0367 yo just saw you commented this! I got on lithium a week ago and it's massively helping. I can literally feel my brain healing. I can't even imagine what this is gonna be like after a year. My moods aren't going too high or low, I just feel good. It hasn't made me dumb either, I actually feel like it's helping me cognitively. I know it helps with brain damage and I fucked myself up with really bad Adderall abuse, so it could be that it's reversing the effects of this faster than it's actually working to heal my bipolar. Whatever it's doing, it's helping. Helping abnormally to the point I'm afraid I'm hypomanic and mistaking it for getting better, but it doesn't really feel like hypomania.

[@theapothecary777]

@@rachna0367 anyway, I hope you find happiness soon. Your experience feels familiar to mine. I hope meds help you, you deserve a healthy mind. Please stay safe, all of what is happening to you will not be forever.

[@rachna0367]

@@theapothecary777 thanks alot for sharing your experience.yes am hopeful and I hope god helps me and I recover soon and become atleast 95% of the person I used to be before depression when I didn't have to take meds for happiness or. Chase happiness but life is not something goes as planned but God gave us pain he will definitely help us .

[@colinbaker6688]

Hi there! I read that there can be several different specifiers for bipolar disorder, such as with anxious or psychotic or mixed features. Can you do an in depth video about these and what these may look like? I've never been told which specific type of bipolar disorder I have (one or two or cyclothymia), I only know that I have had at least SOME psychotic symptoms when I was manic. I don't know any "specifiers" that have been added to my diagnosis though. Thanks!

[@jojowallace5098]

I am rapid cycled...BP2 with mixed episodes. The keto diet is helping to stabilize moods as well as CBD for sleep. Lithium orotate 5 mg nightly helps with rapid thoughts at night. I may refrain from this after hearing this.

[@LadyNikitaShark]

Did you talk with your doctor to take CBD? How does it work? I wanna try it but in my country the law on that is still fuzzy, not illegal but not legal either.

[@ciscobriano]

JoJo Wallace you sound like the smartest person in the world right now! This is what our team has been teaching in the past 1 to be exact. I’m begging you to start juicing a big hand full of green cabbage with a green apple in the morning as soon on an empty stomach. Please this will help clean your gut, your parasites and help produce more natural serotonin. If you do what you do know , then clearly you are of the “thinking crowed.”

[@greenheadmetalchips6669]

@@ciscobriano bruh

[@markdrost8458]

I have forged my own ideational devices for the use of Relaxation Therapy and Visualization from the experiences of my past, I want more persons in my nearby network, those I can feel and touch, to serve in close quarters with this knowledge, and I'm afraid i suffer a lack of this resource

[@MsLee-oh7hy]

My best friend began taking Lithium, it took a few weeks to work, but long term it has helped his bi polar disorder.

[@ninasmith-pd8fv]

Hi Tracy, I am on lithium now and my psychiatrist said that my symptoms fit into too many boxes to get a formal diagnosis with bipolar disorder. I also have ADHD and BPD, but I am wondering about epilepsy. A friend of mine started seeing a fantastic therapist who had conversed with a doctor about epilepsy. This doctor mentioned how epilepsy can caused symptoms of ADHD, BPD, and bipolar disorder. THey said that stimulants can cause increased anger and aggression, which they do for me. Also, they mentioned that antidepressants might not be very effective, which is the case for me. I do notice some change in depression symptoms when on them, but they do not do that much. They do nothing to help with my severe anxiety and intense anger. I still take stimulants, but I need a mood stabilizer to balance out the effects. I am wondering if you can do a video on this. None of my healthcare providers have mentioned it and I would like to understand. It is hard to access stigmatized diagnoses, and give that I have come to terms with it, I feel like the rug is being pulled out from under my feet. If you do a video on this, any medication and nonmedication recommendations would be very appreciated. Thank you. I love your videos!

[@asanitheafrofuturist]

I'm on lithium for bipolar type 1. It mainly just numbs me for an hour or 2 then I don't feel any better. It's been over 2 weeks maybe even 3 weeks now. I'm so f***in frustrated but I don't really have anyone I can talk to about this s**t. It f***in sucks fam it f***in sucks

[@Gemtiger279]

But lithium orotate may have less or different side effects than lithium carbonate. Therefore it may be more suitable for some. Best see an Integrative MD or Naturopath or Psychopharmacologist who specialises in providing nutrient treatment protocols for mental illness.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

"Do you have bipolar? "I have the CLASSIC "

[@kresivarivkah612]

Lol. Sounds so nice. Lol.

[@ameliakater7357]

Probably wont see this but, I also have seen articles saying it can effect the brain in the long run. Im very curious about this one. And good Lord I didnt know you get it with a script.

[@emh8861]

I heard it's good for Alzheimer's.

[@stukevideo]

Dear Dr. Marks, Lithium Citrate often goes out of production for up to 90 days.

[@poisonmyrrh6497]

Dr. Marks you are such a blessing to me. Thank you for your videos, and please have a safe and happy new year. =)

[@casysales3883]

Thank u. Talkked my dr into gettin me on lithium a few years ago and never understood why it was soo bad. Thanks again.

[@MarsianForestcat]

I take lithium for mixed mania with anxitey and I wonder myself that this is working out for me. I feel so much better now. I hope this will last at least for a while.

[@Catlily5]

I have mixed episodes and anxiety and Lithium works well for me. Edit: I do take a low dose of an anti-psychotic also.