Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
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
Wed, 15 Mar 2017
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
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
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. 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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....