Bipolar Treatment with LITHIUM & My Bipolar Bestie Moss 💊 | Side Effects, Dosage & Experiences

[@Moss-Teigh]

Update. I am back to only 150mg once a day and doing well. Slight hand tremor occasionally noticed by others. Still no weight gain.

[@Moss-Teigh]

And already upping dose again. 😅 Super glad to have a psychiatrist who understands there is a balance between consistent medication therapy and adjusting medication to circumstances and needs.

[@ourbipolar]

So important

[@Moss-Teigh]

@@ourbipolar For me, I was also always hesitant with psych meds because of the ongoing adjustments. I wanted a one and done med and dose. . That’s unrealistic for a condition that fluctuates. . If a medical professional had explained that to me sooner, I may have been more “med compliant” earlier in life. I didn’t want to have to see a doctor frequently in order to fiddle with meds. Nor did I want to fiddle around with them. . It seems doctors still use phrasing like “find the right dose for you” or “keep trying till we find the right med”. Whereas my current psychiatrist says “we adjust the medications as needed” . Somehow that wording change makes a difference for me. And telehealth video appointments have been a game changer. It’s so much easier for me personally to send a secure message or have a quick video chat to discuss meds, than to go into the office. Both logistically and emotionally. (Medical ptsd any one?)

[@whatsthedirt]

I got diagnosed as bipolar almost 5 years ago! I’m not sure if I’m feeling any side effects from the Lithium. I do feel like it saved my life though!! There’s no way I would have even started a KZbin channel if it wasn’t for the medications 💊 ❤️ Life changed big time!

[@ourbipolar]

So glad lithium didn’t give you any side effects! Mine were minimal aside from the kidney function being affected after ~15 years, which has been manageable thus far. That one seems to hit all of us lithium users sooner or later.

[@keithbieberly6445]

I am always puzzled how a medication could increase (or decrease, as i heard here) a particular ideation )or cause vivid dreams). I'm relieved to hear that the lithium pushes those thoughts in a better direction. Thanks for the video, and back to the mines, i guess. Happy Thanksgiving to both of you.

[@ourbipolar]

Thanks for being a loyal viewer! Back to the mines. ✌🏼 Happy Thanksgiving!

[@nanakrisdoggie7375]

Are both of you ladies taking lithium with another antipsychotic meds?

[@ourbipolar]

Lately, I’ve been taking an antipsychotic (Seroquel) every day, but for most of my time on lithium, I would take Seroquel only as needed, probably a few times every few months.

[@Moss-Teigh]

I do not currently take any antipsychotics. I have taken them in the past, but never with lithium. Also, not a lady. I'm a dude. I appreciate the term of respect. It's just inaccurate in social gender. Thank you for your understanding.

[@julianaroson4089]

Hi. Very interesting your video, thank you. I have a question because I'm immigration process for working in US. Is lithium carbonate regularly used at US? how much cost around this medicine? is this medicine need a medical prescription? and if you know how much lithium I can bring with me in the immigration?

[@Moss-Teigh]

A prescription is needed. I have no knowledge of immigration and customs laws regarding bring prescriptions into the country. Costs vary depending on insurance coverage and location. I encourage you to do more research online or contact an immigration support specialist.

[@deegee787]

Hi. May I ask about the high prevalence of excessive urination, excessive thirst, hand tremor, diabetes insipidus besides the potential kidney damage. Thanks.

[@Moss-Teigh]

Hi there! Thanks for asking. Any medication has potential side effects. And they will be dose dependent as well as subject to each person’s sensitivities. It’s always best to check with your doctor about any concerns. . Personally, I have only noticed a slight tremor to my hands at waking that fades as the day progresses. I also sometimes experience lower gi distress if I take a higher dose. . I am currently taking 450mg as a temporary measure while recovering from a manic-psychotic episode (triggered by a heart medication). . I also started lithium very late in life. I was always afraid of the side effects and toxicity. . For me, mood episodes became too problematic for my day to day life, so I have chosen to accept the long term risks in order to have better mental health today. . Again. A doctor can best assess risks for each individual in concert with the patient. . Best to you.

[@deegee787]

@@Moss-Teigh Thanks so much for your lengthy response. I am still 25 years later scared of the side effects and toxicity. I had no idea a heart medication could trigger a manic episode. I wish you a speedy recovery. Wishing you the best as well and once again hope you feel better soon.

[@Moss-Teigh]

@@deegee787 It’s normal to be concerned. I think I said in the video, that I went into hospital to start lithium. I often have adverse reactions to medications and wanted to be in a medically safe place if anything went awry with the initial doses. The long term effects I just personally accept. The heart medication was Fludrocortisone, which is a steroid. Steroids are notorious for being a risk factor for mania. I had problems with prednisone in the past. My doctors and I had hoped that with bipolar fairly well managed and the steroid dose very low, that it might work out. Well, it didn’t. . Each person is different of course. I just happen to be very sensitive to medications. . Lithium remains the most effective medication for bipolar 1 and the only medication shown to reduce suey side symptoms. Which it has done for me. . Again. Always consult with your care team. Much love to you.

[@Moss-Teigh]

@@deegee787 And thank you for the well wishes. I’m getting there. No longer reeling, but definitely still healing. 💟

[@sarahquinn6989]

I've been taking a high dose of lithium for 12-13 years now. The tremors were terrible for quite a while, I'm a teacher and had to ask kids to write on the board for me 😂. Definitely experience tics and I didn't even know word recall could be associated. That explains why I'm so frustrated when teaching English and I can't even speak! Thanks for the episode ladies, take care.

[@ourbipolar]

Thanks for the great comment! And for being a teacher. Teachers deserve so much more respect and appreciation. Can you tell I’m married to a teacher? 🥰

[@thatswhatsup0493]

I started taking lithium in april. Im on 1200mg. Acne got really bad in late august -september, its driving me crazy. May i ask how long you struggled with acne? Thank you for this video.

[@ourbipolar]

I think the acne lasted a few months, maybe less.

[@mossTeigh]

I have had no acne as a side effect. Sending you love and support.

[@ronnalebrun4133]

@@ourbipolar