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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Lithium Carbonate Stay In The Body After Its Withdrawal?

I am 76 years old & have taken Lithium Carbonate, 900 mg/day at night, for 25 years for bipolar disorder. I developed severe short term memory loss, severe diarrhea for more than 1 year, tremors, fatigue & sleepiness. Over the past 3 years four neurologists have not connected any of this to Lithium nor did having had none of these problems during usage. Lithium was the answer to my prayers. In Nov. 2016 I found a Neurologist who quickly made the connection to Lithium. She ordered a blood test which reported my current level to be 1.7 (always .2-.3 for the full time of usage). I have discontinued it in Dec. 2016 it & consider myself in detox. What is the expected time to clear my system? Gerald Peele
Fri, 5 Oct 2018
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hi,

The half life of lithium in elderly with long-term usage is 2.5 days. Since you have quit many days before, you are free of that medication.

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

Regards,
Dr. Peeyush Kumar Saini,
Pathologist and Microbiologist
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How Long Does Lithium Carbonate Stay In The Body After Its Withdrawal?

Hi, The half life of lithium in elderly with long-term usage is 2.5 days. Since you have quit many days before, you are free of that medication. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Peeyush Kumar Saini, Pathologist and Microbiologist