Question:
Anyone on Lithium; have lots of questions?

I was on Wellbutrin SR, but after a month of no improvement, the Dr. wants to put me on Lithium. That scares me tremendously. Maybe I just need to discuss this with my WLS surgeon prior to switching? Maybe I just need to change to another type of Wellbutrin or even another antidepressant. HELP!!!!    — lighthousekeeper (posted on December 9, 2003)

December 9, 2003
I would request something other than Wellbutrin... maybe Paxil or Celexa. Lithium is an old drug and I'm a little surpised that he suggested that before going through all the newer options first
   — SJP

December 9, 2003
This is assuming you aren't bipolar or schizophrenic.. Lithium is mostly used for those illnesses.
   — SJP

December 9, 2003
I take lithium and have no problems with it.it has not stoped my weight loss and I don't want to think what I'd be like without it. but I do think you should try all your options.
   — melisa789

December 9, 2003
I'm not a doctor - not even close, but to the best of my knowledge Lithium is a mood stablizer. One that is used mostly to control manic episodes from bi-ploar disorder. Do you think that you may need this? I would definately get another opinion. If it is anxiety that troubles you may want to ask about Effexor. It's fairly new and the few people I know who take it have had the best of results from it. Good luck. Pam
   — Pambylah

December 9, 2003
In looking just now in my Nurses Drug book, Lithium is NOT used for depression. It has major side effects and blood levels must be monitored. You might consider a psychiatric opinion before taking this subscription from your MD. I take Wellbuteran but not the SR, my DOC thought I could not digest it properly with my altered stomach so I am on regular Wellbutrin 100mg 3x daily
   — Connie M.

December 9, 2003
I take Lithium and Wellbutrin SR and have very good results with controlling symptoms of manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder). I find that I tend to stay toward the high end of things rather than the low and I only bottom out if I stop taking my meds. Wellbutrin is very good and has few side effects--Lithium is usually associated with weight gain-but with wls it shouldn't be too much of a threat. You might ask you doctor to pair Wellbutrin with Lexapro and see if that combination is effective. Are you depressed or have unstable moods?
   — Danyelle K.

December 10, 2003
I WAS HAVING SORT OF THE SAME THING HAPPEN. MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON WELLBUTRIN SR AND I FELT AS IF IT WAS DOING NOTHING. THEN IT HIT ME, WE CAN'T ABSORB TIME RELEASE OR SUSTAINED RELEASE PILLS AS WE USED TO. ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO PUT YOU ON REGULAR OLD WELLBUTRIN. I SWITCHED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE ALREADY. HOPE THIS HELPS!
   — amanda nelson

December 10, 2003
I am currently pre-op, but have spoken extensively with my psychiatrist about this issue. I have bipolar disorder and currently take Effexor XL for depression and Lamictal for mood stabilization. These work very well. I would definitely talk with a psychiatrist (one specializing in mood disorders if you are bipolar) before taking a drug as potent as Lithium. It is a godsend for those who need it, but can have dangerous side affects for those who do not need it. Just get a second opinion. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Barbie
   — BarbieCarroll

December 12, 2003
I would trust your doc on this , new drugs are not neccesarily better then the old ones, its just that you are not paying for research and marketing sometimes
   — dina L.

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