Living Bipolar - Med Changes

Lithium: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_pharmacology


In 1993 a doctor told me I was bipolar and prescribed me Lithium. He did not educate me about the drug. He did not do pre-labs for baseline readings, or follow-up labs for therapeutic levels. He did not explain to me that I needed to increase my water intake so I was not drinking enough water and felt very strange. Needless to say, like many bipolar patients, I decided I didn't need it and that I was not bipolar, so I quit taking it.

Recently, in April and May, I experienced delusions, psychosis, and paranoia. We did not contact my doctor because I was not a threat to myself or others. Our focus at home was to get me some deep sleep. My husband was sure I was not getting proper sleep and he was correct. I was staying up later and later. I was tossing and turning, and waking throughout the night. The fact that I was not a threat, according to my doctor, is not a reason to not call her.

When I got back to visiting my Doctor, she was a bit alarmed. She said that every time I leave reality it damages my brain and we need to protect my brain. So, aside from the sleep issue, she said we need to try Lithium. It's tried and true and is good for depression too.

I was scared to try it again, knowing this time about labs and possible toxicity. She told me that increased thirst or urination is normal for side effects, but excessive thirst and urination are abnormal and signs of toxicity. Nausea is OK, vomiting is toxic. Loose stool are OK, diarrhea is toxic. So, if I show signs of toxicity I am to stop taking the medicine, drink Gatorade, and call her.

However, it is not that easy for me. My pre-labs showed blood in my urine. I was told to see my primary care physician for that. I did and it is still there. Now I have to see a Urologist. So basically, I have been drinking up to 11-8oz glasses of water as recommended for Lithium. I very probably have an issue with my kidneys or bladder so I am very thirsty and peeing buckets every hour. My stomach is distended by the end of the night, and I have even vomited twice since this started. I am not toxic, in fact I was still under therapeutic levels and my doctor raised my dose by 300mg.

I feel like the Lithium is working, but the thirst and the peeing are taking an emotional toll. I have an appointment on Tuesday with the Urology Center, and I am worried that I have cancer or failing kidneys. We shall see.

For further information or blogging on this Urology issue; please click here;
http://bloophoenix.blogspot.com/