Lithium

[kris]

Does any one use this drug or have used it in the past? The psychiatrist I see, which I do not like and do not trust one bit want's to put me on this. I am very hesitant I know of the side effects and they are not very pleasing, I think I would rather deal with the depression and ptsd then the side effects of the medication. Granted not every one has the same reaction to a medication, but I really do not want to go on this drug.

I feel I have no choice if he prescribes it, as the threat he made to have me admitted to the hospital is still hanging over my head. If I don't do what he says i fear of having him admit me.

 

[cherryblossom]

Hi kris,

I think it's time you found yourself a new psychiatrist. You have said you don't trust him, and feel that he is forcing you into a medication that you don't want to take by threatening to admit you to hospital. That is way out of order, in anyone's book.

My only knowledge of lithium, is that it is generally prescribed for bi-polar, and that you have to have very regular blood tests to make sure that the lithium does not reach toxic levels.

Personally, I wouldn't take any medications that I wasn't happy with and I would advise you to find a new PDoc ASAP.

 

[catjudo]

While I'm not using it at the moment, I've used lithium off and on for many years. I've not had any greater or more disturbing side effects from this medication than any other that I've taken...in fact I've tried some antidepressants and other psych meds that were far worse.

That being said, if you don't trust your doc or feel like you're being forced into taking a medication it may be time to find a new doc.

 

[kris]

Thanks for the input, I wish I could see someone else but if I cancel or miss any appointments with this current psychiatrist he has said he will have the proper authorities pick me up and have me admitted against my will. Nice way to end the first meeting with him...I really don't like this guy but yeah if he let me see someone else I would not go I would be done with psychiatrist after only seeing one in my life. He has ruined any trust that I have in any psychiatrist. I wouldn't give up on medication because I know that has helped me a lot, I would go back to my primary doctor for them though.

I guess why I wouldn't go to any psychiatrist is I am afraid of them, I am afraid that they will force me to do inpatient and therefore do not want to talk to anyone about my issues. Granted the therapist can do the same thing as well, I trust him I have told him of when I have had thoughts and done things to harm myself, he did not threaten me or pressure me into doing inpatient as well.

So in a way he is right in telling me that I will be admitted against my will if I do not show up because at the moment I do not have insurance so I would not go to my primary for awhile as well, but threatening me did him and me no good either.

Lithium for bi-polar, why would he prescribe that for depression if I do not have bi-polar does it help with plain old depression? Or is he just guessing at stuff and trying whatever he feels like?

 

[NIKI]

Wow, after the first visit and he is threatening you with proper authorities and admitted against your will! I don't know if he can do that if you decide you just do not want to see him anymore. I could be wrong but wow. That's not a very good T. I would try to get away from him as so a possible. NIKI