Lithium

A few posts ago, I wrote about starting a new medication—one that felt more “extreme” than others I’ve been on.  

I’ve been taking Lithium since the end of March, and it’s already been an interesting journey. But let me backtrack to how I ended up being prescribed it in the first place.

2024 was incredibly difficult for me for a multitude of personal reasons. Looking back, it probably would have been helpful if I had started taking Lithium in the fall of that year, as I had begun noticing some concerning symptoms.

Although I prefer to keep my diagnoses and ongoing work with my doctors private, I decided to go on Lithium after experiencing an emotional “high” followed by a deep crash—a severe depressive episode.

I remember sobbing in my room, feeling hopeless and broken. Fortunately, I have the option to text one of my doctors, which I did. I updated him on how I was feeling and explained that I needed more support. The medication I was taking at the time just wasn’t enough. (While I know medication isn’t a complete solution, depending on one’s symptoms, they may need a stronger dose, additional medication, or a different one altogether.)  

He gave me a list of medications that might be helpful for what I was experiencing. I read through all the side effects, effectiveness rates, and risks.  

None of them felt like a good fit—each had negative aspects I wasn’t comfortable with, and some posed the risk of worsening issues I was already dealing with. When I explained this to my doctor, he recommended Lithium.

I was very afraid to start it. I knew about the risks, especially Lithium toxicity, which can cause seizures, coma, and even death.  

But I also knew I needed something stronger—I couldn’t keep living the way I had been. I was hurting myself and the people around me.

I started on a very low dose, though Lithium dosing is typically monitored through blood levels—so a “low” dose for one person might be a “normal” dose for another.

The side effects weren’t awful and seemed fairly typical. I joined multiple online support groups and forums (which have been incredibly helpful), and other people shared that they experienced similar symptoms.  

For me, the most noticeable side effects were headaches, fatigue, and stomach issues. I also lost some weight—not a common side effect, but not an unheard-of one either.

Since then, my dose has been increased. It’s been a learning process, and I’ve had to make some lifestyle adjustments. I can’t have caffeine or alcohol anymore (though I rarely drank anyway), and I have to be mindful of my water and salt intake. I also try to avoid getting overheated and make sure to take my medication at the same time every day. Being consistent and aware helps reduce the risk of Lithium toxicity.

Because Lithium can affect the kidneys and thyroid, I now need regular blood tests and ongoing monitoring of both.

Overall, the experience has been positive. I can think more clearly, my depressive episodes aren’t as intense or long-lasting, and I don’t feel as self-destructive. The harmful behaviors I was struggling with have lessened. I also have more clarity when dealing with stress, something I really didn’t have before.

It hasn’t “fixed” everything—I still have a lot of work to do with my therapists and doctors—but I feel hopeful, and I’m proud of myself for taking the initiative.