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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Dosage For Lithium

Hi I m just wondering about my lithium level, I was on 800mg a day for 10yrs, I had to stop taking lithium dud to upset tummy, it was reintroduced about 2 months ago 400mg a day, I m just wondering should my dose be increased to 800mg, as I am stuk in a rut, unable to function and I m wondering would an increase in my lithium help to lift my severe depression. I have been unable to contact my dr. For the last two weeks ty Lorna
posted on Tue, 1 Dec 2015
Twitter Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for the query at HealthcareMagic

Lithium is usually started at a lower dose, and titrated up to the required dose for effective control of symptoms.
Since you have been on 400mg of lithium for 2 months, the dose can be increased to 600 mg daily now. Once on 600mg for 2 weeks ,the dose can be increased to 800 mg daily
But before increasing the dose, Thyroid function tests, renal function tests and lithium levels should be checked before increasing the dose of lithium.

I recommend that you follow up with your doctor or primary care provider to get the blood investigations done and see if increasing the dose of Lithium is appropriate for you.

Hope I was able to answer your question
Please feel free to address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
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Suggest Dosage For Lithium

Hello, Thank you for the query at HealthcareMagic Lithium is usually started at a lower dose, and titrated up to the required dose for effective control of symptoms. Since you have been on 400mg of lithium for 2 months, the dose can be increased to 600 mg daily now. Once on 600mg for 2 weeks ,the dose can be increased to 800 mg daily But before increasing the dose, Thyroid function tests, renal function tests and lithium levels should be checked before increasing the dose of lithium. I recommend that you follow up with your doctor or primary care provider to get the blood investigations done and see if increasing the dose of Lithium is appropriate for you. Hope I was able to answer your question Please feel free to address any more concerns Regards, Dr.Lekshmi