Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Should I Continue Taking Lithium If My TSH Levels Are Raised?

I am a female eighteen years old.Because of my pshychiatirc promblem, doctors have put me on lithium 400mg BD, Sertaline 200mg(50 in the morning and 150 at night) This raised my TSH level and I was put on thyroxine 50 microgram. Can I continue Lithium or should it be placed by some other medication. Please help me.
Tue, 13 May 2014
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

I read your query and can understand your concern regarding the side effects. Lithium is linked with causing hypothyroidism and increase in TSH levels.

Decision regarding continuing or stopping lithium should be taken based on multiple factors, like how effective lithium has been for your condition, any other side effects, treatment resistance to any other drug prior to lithium.

If you have responded well to lithium, having no other side effects and your TSH levels are normalized with thyroxine, lithium can be continued. Your psychiatrist would be the best judge for deciding regarding it.

Hope this information was helpful.

Best wishes.

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Lithium


Loading Online Doctors....
Should I Continue Taking Lithium If My TSH Levels Are Raised?

Hi, I read your query and can understand your concern regarding the side effects. Lithium is linked with causing hypothyroidism and increase in TSH levels. Decision regarding continuing or stopping lithium should be taken based on multiple factors, like how effective lithium has been for your condition, any other side effects, treatment resistance to any other drug prior to lithium. If you have responded well to lithium, having no other side effects and your TSH levels are normalized with thyroxine, lithium can be continued. Your psychiatrist would be the best judge for deciding regarding it. Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.