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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Stomach Cramps, Diarrhea, Metallic Smell In Stools, Depression. Taking Lithium Medication. Treatment?

I stopped taking lithium 675 gms / day suddenly 2 weeks ago after being on it for 18 months. i experienced constant stomach cramps and persistent diahrrea and a metalic smell from my stools . i m now experiencing return of severe depression . i m attempting to contact my psychiatrist to get advice as he did initially tell me to reduce to 450 gms which I did but above side effects persisted. Should I go back on it for a while and then come off it gradualiy? I t felt like i was being poisoned. The above side effects appeared about 6 weeks ago.
Fri, 12 Apr 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

The best part of your history is that you have developed the abdominal symptoms 6 weeks ago and have stopped Lithium 2 weeks ago.
Hence both these things do not appear to be connected.
Hence I would advise on both fronts differently.
As for Lithium, you have to follow the advice of your treating Doctor strictly.
As for the GI Symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, metallic smell in stool the cause can be enteritis or so.
Get the stool tests done for a few days.
Get the blood tests for CBC, thyroid, liver functions and as required.
X-ray of abdomen and Ultrasonography of abdomen to start with.
CT scan if required.
Consult a Gastroenterologist for proper clinical evaluation and correlation with reports to get an appropriate diagnosis and get treated accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant,
General Surgeon
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Stomach Cramps, Diarrhea, Metallic Smell In Stools, Depression. Taking Lithium Medication. Treatment?

Hi, The best part of your history is that you have developed the abdominal symptoms 6 weeks ago and have stopped Lithium 2 weeks ago. Hence both these things do not appear to be connected. Hence I would advise on both fronts differently. As for Lithium, you have to follow the advice of your treating Doctor strictly. As for the GI Symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, metallic smell in stool the cause can be enteritis or so. Get the stool tests done for a few days. Get the blood tests for CBC, thyroid, liver functions and as required. X-ray of abdomen and Ultrasonography of abdomen to start with. CT scan if required. Consult a Gastroenterologist for proper clinical evaluation and correlation with reports to get an appropriate diagnosis and get treated accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon