I have been on lithium for over 20 years. I'm 52 years old now, and I am having pain and severe bloating. I was on 750 mg once a day. It was lowered because I have been toxic on many occasions. I have dropped the dosage down to 300 mg because of incredible stomach pain. The pain is much better. But the bloating and moderate pain is still there. I want to lower my dose but I am afraid of the dark depression I will experience. I have tried Ects but they weren't helpful. lithium has helped me with my suicidal thoughts. Even though I am a rapid cycle. I can deal with all of my other mood swings I still have. But physically lithium is affecting my life. I never want to eat because of the bloating and pain. And I only eat once a day.
Lithium - I am bipolar1 what can I do about pain and bloating ?
Question posted by Deklin2kobi on 8 Sep 2016
Last updated on 8 September 2016
Answers
cbenjam14
8 Sep 2016
I am very sorry that you are having these problems. I am 52 years old and have been on Lithium for 26 years. I also have bipolar 1. I am on several different pain medications so I am having the opposite problem than you. I am replying because I know what happens when you quit taking lithium. The results were disastrous for me. Please consider seeing your doctor for any other alternatives. Maybe you have some other issues now that the doctor could help you with. I have been on 900 mg of lithium a day plus 60 mg of Celexa and it really helps me. I really am concerned for you.
Deklin2kobi
8 Sep 2016
Thank you cbenjm14, for your comment. I am unfortunately sensitive to every medication I have tryed for bipolar. The side effects are not worth me continuing with this lithium. The last med she added was lamictal, and it makes me very manic. I have been cutting down gradually with the lithium . From 750mg to 150mg. It was at higher dose but I have been toxic twice. I have had a cat scan of my abdomen. It was normal. So I believe it's the medication. Two days after I lowered my lithium the severe pain in my abdomen went away. The bloating and the abdomen tenderness is still there. My Dr. Suggested Ect's again. It ruined my memories. And I found no relief after 12 . I will see her in two weeks. I'm not very hopeful. But if my dark depression comes back. I will stay on the lithium, but at a very small dose. I don't want to suffer physically/ or emotionally . It's a fine balance. Happy mind, or physically ill.
Thank you again I appreciate your comment.
Related topics
bipolar disorder, pain, abdominal distension, lithium
Further information
- Lithium uses and safety info
- Lithium prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lithium (detailed)
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