Revealed on: 28 Jun 2023
There are a number of issues to find out about safely coming off Lithium with out experiencing withdrawal results. Lithium is a medicine used to deal with bipolar dysfunction and mania. It really works by appearing in your central nervous system, though we don’t absolutely perceive the way it stabilizes temper. For some folks, the treatment will not be the fitting match, or the unwanted effects (like Lithium weight achieve) may be affecting you an excessive amount of. In both case, you would possibly contemplate stopping the treatment.
Nonetheless, when discontinuing Lithium or another drug, there might be potential dangers as a consequence of a drastic alteration in physique chemistry. Whereas typical drug withdrawal signs aren’t as frequent with Lithium as with different medicines, there’s a actual danger of bipolar episodes returning upon stopping the treatment.
Studying what to anticipate is crucial should you discontinue utilizing Lithium. Signs can vary from gentle to extreme, relying on how lengthy you took the drug and the way rapidly you stopped taking it.
Hold studying as we discover the emotional and bodily signs of Lithium withdrawal so you possibly can safely cease taking your treatment if wanted.
Can Lithium Be Stopped Chilly Turkey?
Discontinuing Lithium abruptly with out the course of your physician shouldn’t be really useful. Any modifications to how and if you take your treatment should contemplate potential Lithium withdrawal signs.
Analysis suggests that withdrawal from Lithium might be much less intense than when stopping different medicine. Nonetheless, there can nonetheless be unwanted effects as your physique adjusts to not having the treatment in your system.
“Lithium shouldn’t be stopped chilly turkey. Relying on the dosage, the sort of Lithium — immediate-release or extended-release — ought to be thought of. Converse along with your physician earlier than stopping this treatment.”
Withdrawal Signs of Lithium
Lithium withdrawal signs can fluctuate from individual to individual, however some folks report experiencing sleep disturbance, elevated nervousness, and irritability.
Bodily signs
Bodily signs of Lithium withdrawal can embrace:
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- Elevated and extreme urination
- Hand tremors
- Extreme thirst
- Weak muscle groups
- Dry mouth
It’s essential to notice that prolonged use of Lithium may end up in Lithium toxicity, so staying on it long-term isn’t all the time the perfect course of upkeep therapy.
Emotional signs
Along with the bodily withdrawal signs of stopping Lithium, there are additionally emotional unwanted effects to concentrate on. One of the vital factors to be aware of is that analysis reveals stopping Lithium remedy all of the sudden will increase the chance of returning episodes of melancholy or mania.
How Lengthy Does Lithium Withdrawal Final?
Just like the way it can take time to regulate to Lithium unwanted effects, it could actually additionally take some time for the physique to change into accustomed to now not having Lithium focus in its system. In case you plan to cease taking this treatment, your physician will most likely have you ever accomplish that regularly to attenuate the chance of elevated bipolar episodes.
Lithium withdrawal timeline
A Lithium withdrawal timeline can differ from individual to individual, however having an concept of what to anticipate will help you navigate the method.
The primary few days after you cease taking Lithium might be notably difficult as a consequence of elevated ranges of hysteria or melancholy. Because of this, it’s possible you’ll really feel unsteady, have hassle sleeping, or get irritated rapidly. Signs usually peak inside a number of days and will regularly enhance as your physique adjusts.
In research, the chance of mania returning after stopping Lithium therapy elevated in the course of the first couple of weeks. Everybody’s restoration timeline differs barely, so persistence is vital.
“Period of the treatment and different medicines taken with Lithium are elements to be thought of earlier than getting off. Lithium discontinuation abruptly may cause withdrawal signs, like heightened nervousness, irritability, agitation, tremors.”
When does Lithium withdrawal peak?
As talked about, Lithium withdrawal can differ from different treatment withdrawal signs. That mentioned, keep in mind that inside the first week or 2 of discontinuing use, there’s a better chance that manic episode recurrences would possibly happen. Keep in mind that a manic relapse is feasible even should you simply cease taking Lithium focus for a number of days.
Extra analysis have to be completed to know the implications of Lithium withdrawal absolutely. The underside line is that signs can fluctuate considerably.
Tips on how to Address a Lithium Withdrawal
There are safer methods to cease taking this treatment and keep away from extreme drug withdrawal from Lithium signs. Talk about along with your physician any dangers of stopping Lithium therapy in order that you realize of any potential psychological or bodily unwanted effects.
To assist handle the consequences of Lithium discontinuation, self care strategies like consuming nutritiously, exercising, getting sufficient sleep, and avoiding illicit substances or alcohol might be helpful.
Discuss therapies like cognitive behavioral remedy (CBT) will help handle psychological signs related to withdrawing from Lithium remedy.
In case you battle throughout this time, search further help from pals or members of the family prepared to hear with out judgment or criticism. You could possibly additionally contemplate becoming a member of a help group the place folks meet and focus on psychological well being situations like bipolar or melancholy that will have been managed utilizing Lithium.
How Do I Safely Come Off Lithium?
Work carefully along with your physician or psychiatrist to handle Lithium withdrawal results. They will help you create a plan that minimizes signs as they monitor your progress and regulate treatment dosages if vital.
Earlier than you resolve to return off Lithium, you and your physician ought to contemplate your present psychological well being standing. In case you noticed enchancment in your situation since beginning Lithium upkeep therapy, your physician would possibly focus on tapering down the dosage as an alternative of discontinuing it altogether.
Discuss with a Licensed Psychiatrist
By consulting a psychiatrist, you possibly can obtain a customized prognosis and therapy plan to handle your particular Lithium withdrawal signs. Speaking with a professional skilled, like an on-line psychiatrist, about your signs and the challenges you’re going through in life might be instrumental in getting a brand new therapy plan in place that’s tailor-made to your wants. Whether or not you bought your prescription for Lithium on-line or in particular person, Talkspace will help stroll you thru your choices and make it easier to discover an alternate therapy on-line.
Sources:
- Balon R, Yeragani VK, Pohl RB, Gershon S. Lithium discontinuation: Withdrawal or relapse? Complete Psychiatry. 1988;29(3):330-334. doi:10.1016/0010-440x(88)90056-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2897893/#:~:textual content=Withdrawalpercent20symptomspercent20followingpercent20lithiumpercent20discontinuation,apercent20wellpercent20documentedpercent20seriouspercent20complication. Accessed March 23, 2023.
- Christodoulou GN, Lykouras EP. Abrupt lithium discontinuation in manic-depressive sufferers. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 1982;65(5):310-314. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1982.tb00852.x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6810653/. Accessed March 23, 2023.
- Faedda GL. Final result after fast vs gradual discontinuation of lithium therapy in bipolar problems. Archives of Common Psychiatry. 1993;50(6):448. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1993.01820180046005. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/496212. Accessed March 23, 2023.
- Verdoux H, Bourgeois M. Quick-term sequelae of lithium discontinuation. Encephale. 1993;19(6):645-650. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12404784/. Accessed March 23, 2023.
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