Doctors don't prescribe lithium as readily as they used to because of its narrow therapeutic window, risk of toxicity, need for regular blood monitoring, and potential long-term side effects (like kidney or thyroid issues). Newer, more easily managed mood stabilizers and aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies for alternatives have also contributed to its decline, despite strong evidence showing lithium's effectiveness and anti-suicidal benefits, especially in bipolar disorder.
It has long been known that lithium has toxic effects on the thyroid gland and the kidneys. The thyroid toxicity, caused primarily by lithium's interference with thyroid hormones' release from the gland (19) affects up to 19% of treated patients (20).
Results: Adherent (n=39) and previously non-adherent patients (n=33) showed a high level of concordance in their rank ordering of reasons for considering stopping taking lithium (Kendall's W=0.059; P=0.001), with 'bothered by the idea that moods were controlled by medication', 'bothered by the idea of a chronic illness ...
It's true, lithium was known for ghastly side effects; lots of them, and bad: thyroid and kidney disorders, brain fog, tremors, GI issues, weight gain, and more.
Results indicate that such a course of lithium in normals induces dysphoric mood change and psychomotor slowing, without significant relationship to either plasma or RBC lithium concentrations.
Activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) similarly reversed the hyperactivity and were more effective in neurons from people with lithium-non-responsive bipolar disorder, suggesting the potential of AMPK-based treatments as an alternative to lithium, particularly in people who do not respond to lithium.
You can use a 48 hour rule where you wait at least 2 full days with 2 nights sleep before acting on risky decisions. Review your decision to avoid a tempting, but risky, behaviour.
Lithium is used to treat mania that is part of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). It is also used on a daily basis to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes.
Lithium is the gold standard drug in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Despite increasing scientific interest, relatively few patients with bipolar disorder receive lithium therapy. Lithium is the only drug that is effective in the prophylaxis of manic, depressive, and suicidal symptoms.
To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to lithium or other medicine. have heart disease. have severe kidney problems.
Taking lithium for a long time can also cause problems with your kidneys or thyroid gland. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. Signs of kidney problems include swollen hands or ankles, feeling tired and short of breath, changes in your pee and feeling sick.
The prevalence of ADHD in adults with bipolar disorder is also significant. Research suggests that: Adults with Bipolar Disorder: Studies indicate that between 10% to 20% of adults with bipolar disorder may also meet the criteria for ADHD (Kessler et al., 2006).
Several recent articles have further explored reasons for this decreased life expectancy, including elevated rates of substance use, tobacco smoking, and suicide attempts. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to die from cardiovascular, circulatory, and respiratory diseases than the general population.
During a depressive phase, individuals with bipolar disorder may need more personal space. They might ignore or distance themselves from others as a form of self-protection or because social interactions feel too overwhelming.
Types of Mood Stabilizing Medication. The oldest and most studied of mood stabilizers is lithium. However, many drugs that were first developed as anticonvulsants to treat epilepsy also act as mood stabilizers. These include carbamazepine, divalproex and lamotrigine.
Moderate Stage: More frequent and intense episodes that disrupt daily life. Severe Stage: Extreme mood swings with increased risk of self-harm or hospitalization. End-Stage Bipolar Disorder: Constant, severe symptoms that no longer respond to traditional treatments.
Riskiest Drugs for Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Factors that may raise the risk of getting bipolar disorder or cause the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or another traumatic event. Drug or alcohol misuse.
After a manic or hypomanic episode you might: Feel very unhappy or ashamed about how you behaved. Have made commitments or taken on responsibilities that now feel unmanageable. Have only a few clear memories of what happened during your episode, or none at all.
Lithium may take several weeks or months to work. Common side effects of lithium are feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, a dry mouth and a metallic taste in the mouth. You'll have regular blood tests to check how much lithium is in your blood. These results will be recorded in your lithium record book.
Mood stabilizers like lithium are often considered the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder, particularly Bipolar I. Lithium not only helps manage manic episodes but also significantly reduces the risk of suicide, a common concern with bipolar patients.
The Challenges of Living with Bipolar Disorder
These emotions can range from extreme highs of mania, where they may feel invincible and engage in impulsive behaviors, to lows of depression, where they may struggle with feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and a lack of motivation.
Those with bipolar I depression were mainly hospitalized in summer and winter, whereas for bipolar II depression most admissions for depression occurred in the spring and summer.
Experts have established that living with any mental health condition reduces your life expectancy by anywhere from 7–10 years . The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old.
Hospitalization: This is considered an emergency option in bipolar disorder care. It becomes necessary when someone is experiencing a severe depressive or manic episode and they're an immediate threat to themselves or others.