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300mg Lithium ER -> 0 .. is this even possible anymore?


ultradiancloudz

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Hello all, first time poster here though have been following the site for a while. Put succinctly, my antidepressant history is thankfully not so extensive. In early 2020 I was diagnosed 'functional bipolar I' and placed on 600mg Lithium extended release which I eventually worked down to 300mg which I've been stable on for more or less 2.5 - 3 years. I've honestly enjoyed the lithium but have since worked through many other additions (I've cut out caffeine & marijuana completely) and have gained many other life supports such that mania & depression are no longer issues I find myself suffering from as before. 

 

The issue I'm having now as I attempt a complete taper is failing to determine whether my body has just become so dependent on lithium that, without it, I'm cooked! Two weeks ago I began the first steps in a long tapering process where I switched from 300mg ER at night to 150mg instant twice daily (night and morning) with the rationale that it's only in the instant release form that I can properly taper and adjust dosage. 

 

So it's been two weeks now and many of the symptoms are unpleasant. While I'm getting on with life ok and am having 0 issues in terms of relapse into what would be described as bipolar symptoms, all the same my brain continues to feel scrambled, I'm an avid gym going and my muscles feel weak though my appetite is ceaseless, so I'm gaining weight but losing muscle. There's often a dryness in my mouth, I get headaches and migraines. And this isn't even having begun the tapering process, just simply switching from ER -> IR. 

 

I'm curious if anyone who's found them in similar parts of the process can give me advice. I know if I just got back on my 300mg ER, things would be fine as they have been. But without experiencing serious bipolar symptoms anymore I feel it wisest to get off, I just think my body has done quite well in perfecting how to operate with a consistent daily 300mg ER dose of lithium, in concerned it won't find its way back to stability without it. 

 

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the matter. 

 

~Hex

Early 2020: Began Lithium Extended Release 600mg

Late 2020 / Early 2021: Experimented w/ cold turkey stops (unsuccessful)

Spring 2021: Back on Lithium ER 300mg, on off until present

2021-2024: Various failed tapering experiments 

Fall 2024: Tapering experiment, switched from Lithium 300mg ER once daily to Lithium 150mg IR twice daily (morning + night) ~ two weeks strong as of 10/04/2024

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  • Moderator
9 hours ago, ultradiancloudz said:

Hello all, first time poster here though have been following the site for a while...

Greetings Hex - I am a relatively new member, just popping in to say hello and welcome. 

 

Though I am contributor only, I do know that switching formulations as you have, even if dosage remains that same, can trigger withdrawal symptoms.  Since it has been two weeks since you changed, I would recommend sticking with what you have right now (IR 2Xdaily) until moderator can advise.

 

You should hear soon from a moderator, who will make this post your introductory topic: 

and ask you to create your signature:

and provide a lot of information, such as: 

 

 

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.

1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.

2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk)

2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU), Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Omega 3's (currently 1 capsule Krill oil in morning, 2 capsules DHA-1000 Fish oil, one in afternoon and one in evening); Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice per day (– ¾ ts cream of tarter plus ¼ tsp Celtic salt dissolved in water.  Taken with Vitamin C.)

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

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