QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I have been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder, and have been taking lithium for the past five or so years (900mg/day). My worry is the long term side effects involving the drug. My doctor has not been the source for information thus far. Over the past couple of years I have put on fifty or so pounds, and now I am suffering from extreme headaches, normally in the morning. I am a forty-six year old white female. If you could direct me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it.
ANSWER:
Weight gain is a relatively common side effect. Lithium can be a problem if you get
dehydrated or need diuretics. It can cause shaking. It can cause problems with your
thyroid function. It can possibly cause long term damage to the kidneys.
Because of it's potential toxicity, regular blood tests including a chemistry profile
and thyroid profile (both the TSH and FTI) need to be checked.
Alternate medications include Depakote, Neurontin, Tegretol, Lamictil or the
antipsychotics such as Seroquel or Risperdal. All of these medications can cause problems.
The newer antipsychotic Geodon seems very promising.
