Lithium and Thirst: What Users Say

• ESa...
• March 27, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium totally turned my sister's life around. She used to cycle, self-medicate with pot, get angry, and at the end, she got into permanent psychosis. She constantly had tormenting voices that were making her very agitated; it was very hard to deal with. This was going on for ten years, and we tried antipsychotics, lamictal, and everything in between, and she hated everything. Lithium made a dramatic difference. Takes a little while to get used to but totally changed things around and made her a different person. One day she decided that she no longer needs meds and she went back directly to the crazy state. It is important that people stick with the medication. The side effects are super minor like thirstiness. I spent years looking online at these review boards hoping for a wonder drug, and then we got lithium. I feel I can now give back to this community and tell our story. Please do not give up. There is help!!!"

• NHe...
• March 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "My diagnosis is Bipolar I with PTSD. I have a tendency toward mixed episodes and psychotic features. I found relief with lithium when nothing else worked. Other drugs like Lamictal gave me horrible cognitive side effects. I couldn't finish sentences or remember things that happened minutes ago. That was not the case with Lithium. I took Lithium for the first time during inpatient for a severe mixed episode, and the difference was like night and day. It was like taking a painkiller when in severe pain. Within thirty minutes, I felt what I can only describe as RELIEF. I've never had such a rapid and drastic reduction in symptoms. There is a reason Lithium is considered the 'gold standard' in treating bipolar disorder. Everyone is different, and some experience bad side effects with little relief on this medication, however, I would recommend at least trying it if your doctor prescribes it. The only side effect I experience is increased thirst - a small price to pay for getting my life back."

• bja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I have suffered with bipolar disorder as long as I can remember, it's been one manic episode after another. I'm 31 now and have been on lithium for 3 and a half weeks. For the last 3 days, I have felt the best I ever have. I feel stable and finally am free of the need to self-medicate. I know it's only early days and have had some side effects such as extreme thirst, minor weight gain, and hate the blood tests, but this is a small price to pay for finally feeling well. Hope other people with this illness have the same success as I'm getting. All the best."

• Rus...
• July 16, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on lithium carbonate for 21 years. Mentally, I found lithium to be a very effective mood stabilizer. The physical effects of lithium are what affected me in the long term. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after being on lithium for 7 years, which my doctor attributed to being on lithium long term. After being on lithium for 21 years, I was diagnosed with Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which an endocrinologist attributed to being on lithium long term. The symptoms of this are increased thirst and increased urination, as I passed 10 liters of urine in a 24-hour urine test. Recently, I have just had one of my kidneys removed due to renal cancer, which I attribute to the long term use of lithium also."

• tee...
• March 30, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium is a lifesaver. I had been misdiagnosed for years. When I was diagnosed with bipolar 2, I was happy to finally find somewhere to start. People scared me off lithium with all of the side effects. I was afraid of weight gain, etc., but don't be! All of our side effects are different. I wish I would have tried it way sooner. I'm a ton happier! I haven't been this happy in years. I'm a completely different person. Sure, I have to deal with stomach aches if I don't eat with it. The thirst goes down, but I still need to drink water - that's very important. And tests are not that big of deal."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2016

For Depression "I have tried so many antidepressants over the last two years and actually found them to only increase the severity of my depression. I found one that helped finally but still felt symptoms of depression creeping in. I asked my Dr to augment with lithium and it worked! My fatigue is nonexistent now and I feel like I can handle life now. At first, I was so thirsty that I could drink the entire Atlantic Ocean with a straw. It has since improved, but I learned that no matter how much I drink, I'm still going to have some thirst so I don't overdo it. My mouth is dry and I have a very slight tremor in my hands but it's a small price to pay--now I get to live instead of just survive. Ps increase your dose slowly to minimize side effects."

• Ser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium is nice, but it does have a little price to pay. Diagnosed with bipolar II 2 months ago, figured that I had bipolar literally since my first memories, and started taking lithium (600 mg in the day and 600 mg at night). Absolutely works like a charm, and now I picked up my social relations and am able to work full ahead for my college applications. However, it does make me thirsty (I mean, water is healthy, so it's not bad) and numbs my emotions. I don't feel any happiness or sadness, nor am I capable of love. My personality hasn't changed, however, and I still appear to be the same in front of others, only calmer. That inner peace is invaluable, although you may need to think twice if you have a significant other."

• Cmb...
• April 11, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Lithium has been a lifesaver. I have been diagnosed with everything under the sun: bipolar type 1 severe, ADHD, PTSD, and panic disorder. I have tried Lamictal, Latuda, risperidone, trazodone, Seroquel, Vyvanse, Adderall, Concerta, and Klonopin. I am now only down to this one drug twice a day. Only shortcoming is extreme thirst. But I've been happy and normal for the first time now for 2 months! Yay, wish I was on it sooner."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

For Depression "My mother tried ECT, every Benzo, and every antidepressant. Finally, 900 mg of lithium combined with Lyrica cured her. She is super thirsty, but all in all, doing amazing. I used to cry every night about her and think she would never get better, but lithium changed her life. Before, we went through years of hell trying to find her the right combination. Her anxiety was manic, and her depression was so flat and low. Lithium cured the flatness, and Lyrica gets rid of the anxiety, but it does cause some fat ankles and hands."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was first prescribed lithium years ago and stopped taking it within the first few months because of stomach pains, nausea, and thirst. I chose to go unmedicated for years (not the best choice for me or my family). Years later, I decided to give lithium another try after finding that I couldn’t take Lamictal due to side effects, and the other drug options seemed to have too many side effects. I’m so glad I went back on lithium. I gave it some time and, after a few weeks, the stomach pains and nausea disappeared, as did the thirst. It works very well to even out my moods and prevent future episodes. Additionally, I get blood tests every 3 months to ensure my body is not being harmed by the drug. Also, if you’re concerned about cost, this drug is very reasonably priced since it cannot be patented."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2023

For Depression "I’ve been taking lithium for approximately 3 months, and let me tell you-it saved my life. I deal with a lot of severe depression and anxiety-I have borderline personality-and lithium helps both significantly. This is the first medication that I’ve taken that I’ve noticed improvements within 4 days to a week. It also helps my anxiety A LOT. I’ve tried over 15 plus medications, and I would say this is one that works the best, as well as Effexor and propranolol combined. Works so well I’ve even been able to eliminate benzos after 3 years of dependency. Only side effects would be increased thirst and urination. I know a lot of bad reviews may make you not want to try it, but it's worth it."

• Mar...
• January 17, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking lithium for 7 years now, and it has honestly saved my life. I have bipolar disorder, and lithium has kept me on track. Prior to taking the medicine, I was having an extremely difficult time battling depression and mania. The only thing I’ve noticed is that I get pretty thirsty and have to drink a lot of water, but nothing serious. I had people try to shame me so that I wouldn’t take this drug, but I wouldn’t be here without it."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 29, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I was dubious about lithium and didn't want it. The time came that it was a choice left. At first, I had nausea and thirst. My doctor put me on an XR brand, and it was better. I can honestly say today, I don't know if it's working or not. It is such a medicine that just does what it needs to do. But a warning is-watch your salts either on your plate or in the sun. I was told by the chemist, and then I became aware when one day, I was out in the heat and walking around. I felt faint after a while. The next day, I felt washed out. And this has happened a few times. Lithium is based on salts, and this can play a little chaos, especially in the heat."

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2010

For Mania "I found out I was bipolar a year and a half ago. I've been on antidepressants and antipsychotic meds for that long and still felt lost & like the world was lost to me. A month ago my new doctor started me on lithium. I no longer think of suicide and love to be with my family now. It's been my savior. Have had no side effects, except thirst. I recommend it to anyone who is bipolar. Life can be good after all."

• Alt...
• September 17, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was placed on lithium Sep/17 during a powerful manic episode. I had zero insight into my bizarre behavior. Unfortunately, the lithium was not enough to bring me down alone. With valproate and olanzapine, I was mostly over the mania by early November. I did have nausea, extreme thirst, coarse tremors, and an overall ill feeling for the first few months, so I completely understand the temptation to quit. On the bright side, since the cycle ended, I think the lithium has made me much calmer and more stable. I have not had a single day where I exhibited hypomanic behavior, which is a huge improvement over the prior decade. Other than thirst and fine hand tremor, the side effects are gone. I never would have thought nine months ago that 2018 would turn out to be one of the best, most stable years of my life."

• Alt...
• September 17, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was placed on lithium Sep/17 during a powerful manic episode. I had zero insight into my bizarre behavior. Unfortunately, the lithium was not enough to bring me down alone. With valproate and olanzapine, I was mostly over the mania by early November. I did have nausea, extreme thirst, coarse tremors, and an overall ill feeling for the first few months, so I completely understand the temptation to quit. On the bright side, since the cycle ended, I think the lithium has made me much calmer and more stable. I have not had a single day where I exhibited hypomanic behavior, which is a huge improvement over the prior decade. Other than thirst and fine hand tremor, the side effects are gone. I never would have thought nine months ago that 2018 would turn out to be one of the best, most stable years of my life."

• jaq...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking lithium bicarbonate for a little over 2 years. My dosage has fluctuated because I am also medicated for manic depression. I am 37 and have been medicated, on and off, for depression since I was 18. Lithium seems to help with my bipolar symptoms, not so much for my depression. My side effects have been: increased thirst, tremors, weight loss, and occasional stomach aches if I do not eat enough when I take my pills. I am fine with these so long as I feel 'normal.' Frequent blood work is not bothersome as I understand they are screening for my own health... lithium toxicity levels, kidney functions, thyroid activity."

• Bip...
• March 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I had previously been put on every kind of antidepressant for depression/anxiety. They all worked horribly; so I stopped all drugs and ceased seeing doctors. Then, I felt insanely suicidal- I was absolutely crazed. Luckily, my sister urged me to seek help as fast as I could- so I did. I went to see another psychiatrist, and he diagnosed me as bipolar. I started on Lamictal, but that didn't do anything for me. Then I switched to Lithium- THANK GOODNESS. I still get depressed, but I never get sucked into a deep suicidal hole like before. I quit the drug for 1 month, which caused me to think about suicide unrelentlessly. Never again will I stop taking Lithium. (Does cause extreme thirst and hand tremors, but well worth it)"

• ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 2, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm a teenager with type 2 bipolar disorder, and I've been on lithium and Luvox for over 4 years, and it's worked wonders for me. I'd recommend this to anyone. Over the course of 3 years prior to this medication, I was hospitalized 4 times due to suicide attempts, and after being on lithium, I haven't been hospitalized since. The only downside that I have had is extreme thirst and 0 sex drive."

• Bra...
• May 5, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on lithium for 5 years, and it’s kept me well for the most part. Episodes have been hypo-manic and partially brought on by choices I made. The drug is great at keeping moods stable. Side effects for men are: easy to vomit, excessive urination, and I get thirsty. I can deal with those, knowing I don’t have to experience the extreme highs and lows of bipolar while on lithium. I currently take 1500 mg and don’t use any other drugs, and it works great!"

• Kri...
• January 10, 2015

For Depression "Even though it's not used for the treatment of OCD, it took mine away completely, as well as significantly cleared up my depression. About a year after being on it, I became extremely thirsty, drinking two liters a day and urinating frequently. I have had to since come off it, and symptoms have returned."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "This medicine is wonderful. I gave it a 9 only because I can never quench my thirst, and it makes me sensitive to bright lights and phone/computer/TV screens after a while. Otherwise, it's amazing. I feel so stable and happy. It's almost eerie. I have been suicidal and a cutter for a long time, and it has lifted those desires. I really hope this 'magic' lasts."

• Flu...
• October 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed at 23 with bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic features and placed on lithium almost immediately. I felt improvement and my mania subsided. It works great for mania and mixed episodes, however, in my case, not so much for depression. Lithium has saved my life. It takes away the issues of suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation in between episodes for me and racing thoughts as well. It's about as stable as stable is for me considering having bipolar disorder. I am now 26. I had to stop it due to it having damaged my thyroid. Even so, I have decided after almost 6 months off it and having tried every medication available that I would rather have whatever time stable with this medication and risk that than the destructive episodes. The side effects I initially experienced are: light hand tremors, nausea, diarrhea. These go away. The long-term side effects I have are: emotional blunting, lethargy, increased thirst, more frequent urination, and cravings for salt."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2020

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder "I took lithium carbonate for 5 months for bipolar disorder. It was a terrible experience. Although it did stop manic episodes, it put me into the darkest depression of my life. I was hopeful and really wanted it to work by just taking a mood stabilizer. Unfortunately, it caused really bad acne, thirst all the time, dry mouth, severe depression, no motivation, no joy, and the worst memory problems I ever had in my life. I felt like I had amnesia. My brain hurt every day on this drug, I had headaches and brain pain, terrible brain fog. It made me have suicidal thoughts 24/7. Very dangerous drug for me. I switched to a low dose of risperidone, and my depression is completely gone, and motivation and excitement for the future came back thanks to risperidone."

• Bri...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 9, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I wrote a review in the lamotrigine review area also. I was on lithium for 30 years. It is so important to get blood tests for kidney and thyroid function every 6 months. My kidneys did well for those years until 2014 when my creatinine level increased by 0.1. This is a big deal. That increase threw me into stage 3 CKD. The doctor took me off lithium to lamotrigine, and I am so pleased. Lithium caused extreme thirst and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which is a rare kidney disease. About bipolar disorder, the lithium worked wonders, and I had no episodes in all those years. Bipolar episodes are horrible, and I thank lithium for protecting me against those. I have to deal with kidney disease now, you have to weigh the pros and cons."