How Long Should Lithium Be Taken When Diagnosed With Depression And Bipolar Disorder?

Posted on Sun, 4 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had bipolar disorder and depression 18 years ago and under medication of Lithium SR 400 for about 4 years and other anti depression drug 8-12 months initially . Then 2002 to 2012 without drug and lead a normal life . But early 2014 , I started feeling low at work place and somewhat not feeling okay . And visited doctor who advised Duvanta 30 twice daily and lithosun SR 400 once daily .
Continued till last month . Recently on serum lithium check found range is less than .21 and Doctor reduced to lithium 300 and informed doctor that I am without Duvanta 30 last 2 months apprx. He did not advice to continue . I want to know the status of Lithium on my health and if there is any risk or particular symptom for discontinued Duvanta 30 ? And how long I have to continue lithium .? I am doing great , leading normal life but except weakness due to massive food poisoning one month ago and recovering slowly . D3 is 13 and Doctor has given medicine for 6 months . recovering slowly .but not sure if there is any link ruled out for withdrawal of Duvanta?

Rgds XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lithium need to continue for at least two years

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Since the lithium is there for last two and half years I think there is need to undergo following tests if not done
1. Serum creatine
2. Bllod urea
3. Thyroid function tests
4.Liver function tests
5.Complete blood picture

This will point out the possible negative consequences of lithium use.

In addition duvanta need to used only when there is depressive symptoms and his decision to discontinue is according to standard guidelines.

Regarding lithium it should be used for at least two years from now.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Reports Attached . Pl let me know if there is any link with medicine consumed Lithium and Duvanta following my reports. Why the weakness still there is it due to Deficiency of D3 ? Suggest Medicine for fitness .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There are no reports

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

I could not see any attached reports. Please attach them properly.

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

file report attached

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
They are normal except vitamin D and ESR

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

The reports are absolutely normal but there is evidence of chronic disease which is evidenced by high ESR. You need to see a physician for this purpose.

The weakness could be due to low vitamin D 3 or possible chronic infection.

I hope this helps you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar