Severe Depression and Mental Health Conditions Helped by Lithium

The medication Lithium has been used for years in treating severe depression. The medication has also been shown to be effective in treating bipolar disorder, the medication is essentially a mood stabilizer and can be used with other antidepressants in treating many types of mental health problems. There are however many possible side effects associated with Lithium including:

Mental fog
Nausea
Thyroid and kidney problems
Frequent urination
Shaking or tremors
Water retention
Fatigue or sleepiness

The most common side effects include:
Dry mouth or a metal taste in the mouth
Mild weakness
Diarrhea
Jitters

Many people are not able to take Lithium since they can have increased risk for side effects due to negative interactions with other medications. Patients taking Lithium can also experience central nervous system changes until the right Lithium dosage is obtained. Anyone taking Lithium must have their blood tested frequently to monitor their levels. Determining the right dosage can require many dosage adjustments, the medication is given orally and the normal dosage is anywhere from 250mg to 400mg taken up to three times a day. The most dangerous reaction of taking Lithium is blood toxicity. Blood toxicity can be associated with slurred speech, coma, mental fog, fatigue and decreased appetite.

Lithium is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions including manic depression. People suffering from depression can usually feel the benefits of the Lithium within approximately one week's time, but may not see the true benefits and any adverse reactions until the medication has been taken for over three weeks.

Most people take Lithium carbonate, and people with severe mental problems are often reluctant to discuss their medications with their families and friends especially if they are taking Lithium. However it may be useful to explain any depression medications like Lithium with friends and family, in order to make sure they are aware of the medication side effects and can help you not only recognize problems early but can help you with assessing the positive interactions the medication has, as well.

The medication Lithium is not addictive, however if the medication is discontinued it should be tapered off gradually in order to minimize the chances severe depression or other problems from returning.

Lithium is a relatively safe medication if the levels are watched carefully and the proper dosage is determined. Before anyone starts taking Lithium, your doctor must be completely aware of any illnesses you may be suffering from or have suffered from in the past, as well as any family history with mental health illness. The physician will also need to do a complete blood workup before starting the medication in order to assess your kidney and thyroid functions. The physician may also need to order a 24 hour urine test, as well as an ECG printout of your heart function. The complete workup is necessary to determine that it is safe before administrating the medication.

I have been a nurse for a long time and for many people suffering from mental health problems such as severe depression or bipolar disorder taking antidepressants is just a way of life. Many sufferers have to constantly change their medications around in order to manage effectively their symptoms and control their conditions. If taking Lithium gives them relief from their severe symptoms that are disrupting their lives than I don't know of any medical professional that wouldn't see the positives in that. The whole idea of taking Lithium or any other antidepressant medication is to manage their mental health disorders in an effective manner with as little side effects as possible. For mental health condition sufferers who suffer from problems such as suicidal thoughts, severe disruptive moods or mania, any medications such as Lithium which can offer them more stabilization of their condition is well worth taking and should be made available to them.

References for this article include: www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/lithium.html
www.depression-guide.com/unipolar-depression.htm
www.medicinenet.com/lithium/article.htm
www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/depression/lithium_000290.htm