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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Lithium Dosage Be Increased Despite Side Effects?

HI, just started taking Lithium for bipolar about 3 wks ago on top of effexor and clamasapamn (spelling sorry) for depression and anxiety. the dose is low twice a day of 300mg and it seems that it is not working - I'm 52 and seem to feel a lot of the side effects of the lithium. My doc wants to up my lithium as my blood work says it is low. Should I just suck it up - let him up the dose and see what happens? Kinda just wanting a second opinion. oh, dose amounts for every thing is Lithium 300mg twice a day - efforxor 150 mg in the morning - clamasapam 0.5mg twice a day.
Mon, 17 Feb 2014
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Lithium will not work if the serum levels are low and not in the therapeutic range. Unless the dose is increased and the levels rise to the therapeutic range, one cannot say whether the drug is working for you or not. However, whether it should be continued despite the side effects or not would depend on what side effects you are having and whether any other mood stabilizer can be tried or not. Basically the benefits have to be weighed against the risks and adverse effects to be able to come to a decision. Please be very frank with your doctor and clearly convey your fears. I am sure he will in turn explain his rationale to you so that you can decide on the best course of action.

Best wishes.
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Should Lithium Dosage Be Increased Despite Side Effects?

Hi, Lithium will not work if the serum levels are low and not in the therapeutic range. Unless the dose is increased and the levels rise to the therapeutic range, one cannot say whether the drug is working for you or not. However, whether it should be continued despite the side effects or not would depend on what side effects you are having and whether any other mood stabilizer can be tried or not. Basically the benefits have to be weighed against the risks and adverse effects to be able to come to a decision. Please be very frank with your doctor and clearly convey your fears. I am sure he will in turn explain his rationale to you so that you can decide on the best course of action. Best wishes.