Show ratings & reviews for

3.6 Overall Rating

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Satisfaction

Most voted positive review

51 People found this comment helpful

I recently started taking 600 mg lithium per day. I am glad I am taking it. I am not as agitated and angry as I was before. I am a better mom because of it. I was very scared when I was put on it, but don't let fear get in the way of you getting better. It is working for me!

Most voted negative review

35 People found this comment helpful

Useless! Most likely your doctor will omit telling you to drink lots of water! Also, will not mention that Lithium blands ones emotions and very likely can cause serious kidney damage. In his excellent book, "Toxic Psychiatry," Psychiatrist Peter Breggan mentions his telling one Bipolar patient to forget alcohol OR Lithium and just solve his problems!That's what I'm doing. 1)No counting pills, ...

Shared reviews and ratings

China | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years |
8/6/2016
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Lithium is the reason I believe I am still alive. I had tried committing suicide three times. I swallowed an entire bottle of tricyclics which should have killed me. I was so desperate after medications didn't work that I was considering electroshock therapy. On the third day of taking Lithium I could physically feel something change in my brain. Like a switch turning on. My crippling depression is gone as is my urge to die. I'm not saying I don't struggle day to day but I never even contemplate hurting myself. I know every medication works differently for different people so I am not saying run out and get it. But if you are desperate to fight your depression it might be worth asking your doctor about it.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
WildCat | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
6/23/2016
Condition: Manic-Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started taking lithium carbonate over 5 years ago and it changed me into a *normal* person. The rapid cycling mood swings, mania and depression have been completely controlled and I've experienced none of the side effects so frequently quoted. I thank G*d for lithium!!

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
jaylee | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
6/23/2016
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on this medication for a week in combonation with prozac and adderrall, and I can honestly say that I have never ever felt better. I can only hope that my mood and my control over my emotions and impulses continue to get better.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Icare4u2 | 25-34 | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
5/2/2016
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Lithium is a great medication, however, I got a few of the side effects that it says you MAY receive while taking this drug. I first started taking this and felt great within a few days! I then started the hand trembling and then very slowly started to see a change in my vision. I noticed that I would get like quick flashes of light or one eye would go blank. I told my doctor and he removed me from it and put me on something else. I truly love this drug, but if it wasn't for these side effects, I'd be a happy camper.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Caregiver
4/15/2016
Condition: Manic-Depression
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Lithium worked wonderfully for my husband for 45 yrs. Then he found out it ruined his kidneys. So they took him off Lithium and tried some other mood stabilizers and he went into deep depression and tried to kill himself. Now he has a lot of Parkinsons symptoms. they won't let him take it anymore.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Tkrowland | 19-24 | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
3/4/2016
Condition: Rapid Cycle Manic-Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on Lithium Carbonate for roughly a week now, and it has totally stopped the rapid cycling, as well as suicidal ideations. I have tried numerous other medications, mainly newer ones, and they have failed to work. I was a bit hesitant, mainly due to the weight gain and other side effects, but I am finally in control for once in my life. No more wanting to spend money frivolously, and seek action and adventure in my life. I finally have seen the light, and it's great to be doing better, after such a long period of struggle. I would caution though to get regular blood tests, this drug can have some nasty side effects to the kidneys and thyroid. Hope this helps!!!Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
R22000 | 25-34 | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
3/3/2016
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

A therapist suggested trying lithium one time to me and i followed up with my psychiatrist and she agreed to try it. i usually wind up below clinical range but along with the latuda and fetzima that i am taking the lithium has helped a lot. i started like 5 years ago dont recall any of the real side effects i had already had gained 40 lbs from using zyprexa at an earlier time. The lithium worked wonders. I feel close to "normal" but definately dont overwatch the lack of water even though i feel it when it is hot or working a bit much. I've been on my current meds for almost 2 years and they have gotten me really stable the lithium added a certain level id recommend it if it works cause it works well if it does and if it doesn't at least you gave it a shot and know that you can't use this almost wonderdrug. Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Kimberly | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/17/2015
Condition: Manic-Depression
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I became very sick on this medication. It controlled the manic episodes but I had headaches, upset stomach and nausea. I was unable to continue with the medication because of the side effects. Did not help with the depression.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
arleine09 | 13-18 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
9/24/2015
Condition: Manic-Depression
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been through a series of medication, but this one is the only one that has made me feel anything close to stable. :)

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Me908 | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
7/29/2015
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been using Lithium for almost 30 years now with great results. I shudder to think what life would be like without it. Unfortunately, I'm brand-sensitive. That is, I do not respond to just any brand of the drug that my pharmacy is pushing at the moment. I only respond to Lithobid made by Sandoz. I have picked up some moderate hand trembling as the years have gone by, but other than that, I have no side effects to speak of. I literally owe my life to this drug, since like most of us, I have come to find that there are some things in life that are worse than death. Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Hpatsy | 75 or over | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
6/5/2015
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Have taken LICO2 for 30 yrs. I lead normal life - no manic or depressive episodes. Med has over 500 interactions including steroids; MD prescribing other meds should check for them. I had IA's w/ Trazodone & Topamax.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Carbrowntylor | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
5/14/2015
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been on lithium for over 10 years. At one time I was switched to another medication. The other medication did nothing for me. I'm grateful for lithium. With it, no one knows I'm bipolar unless I choose to tell them.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
mlb123 | 35-44 | Female | Patient
5/1/2015
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Im 43 and just diagnosed bipolar ADHD severe depression and anxiety. Lithium is new to me. I have been on it for a month now and up to 1200mg/day. Im still manic in afternoons but not as bad. This drug was highly recommended,but dangerous. Very thirsty, going to bathroom a ton, still depressed, anxious, not sleeping,not eating much. Not feeling too good physically but trying to ride it out. Headaches starting now, this morning feels like migrane coming on. Im also on 150mg Effexor for depression, 180mg Geodon for hallucinations, .5mg 3x day and bedtime for anxiety,300mg Tazadone for sleep. And I am feeling it. Cant work and been hospitalized 3 times in 2 months this year. Is how Im feeling worth side effects, it has to be. I need my life back.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Tivonnah | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
4/24/2015
Condition: Bipolar Disorder in Remission
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

After decades of unsuccessful treatment of severe depression with AD's and anti~psychotics I began having manic episodes and was started on lithium. My moods have stabilized well, my anger and violence are gone along with the suicidal episodes. It's been a G*d-send for me; no side effects, and I feel fully functional and happy. Every 6mos I have to have my blood levels checked and THAT is a small price to pay.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Jenny | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
4/13/2015
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Extremely happy with this medication. I have suffered from extreme depression since I was a child, and struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction since high school. Although I have tried multiple antidepressants and anti anxiety medications, paired with therapy and 12 step programs nothing seemed to work. This is the first medication I can honestly say has changed my life. This along with the meds I was previously taking, and continuing my work in AA and NA, I feel like a new person. I, like most, did have some side effects when I first started taking it, (tremors, tiredness, weight gain and thirst) but after about a month these subsided. I feel so much better and even the people around me have noticed that I seem more alert and "here" as opposed to being depressed and distant. If you struggle with severe depression and are struggling to find the right meds, I strongly recommend talking to your doctor about trying lithium. Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year |
2/21/2015
Condition: Mania associated with Bipolar Disorder
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I'm not sure what I am most frustrated with... the fact that these meds are making me feel worse or the fact that I have been telling my doc for months that these meds are making me feel worse and he just sits there and looks at me. Shame on me for continuing to renew the Rx. No More! Lithium SUCKS! I am MORE irritable, More Anxious, I feel MORE hostile (it takes great effort to control my moods and not lose my mind all together) and the side effects.... really! Nope, I'm finding a new doctor and I am not taking even one more dose of lithium. The side effects are worse than what the meds are suppose to treat! Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
1/23/2015
Condition: Bipolar Disorder in Remission
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

With every other drug I was "disconnected". Lithium -- "Vitamin L" (as my Psychiatrist calls it) -- was a simplistic, elegant answer. I also feel m ore comfort in using medications that have a lengthy track record and all the "kinks" worked out.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
eddy | 19-24 | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
8/5/2014
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This drug helped me stabilize my mood. I have bipolar depression type 2. I don't notice any side affects but every person is different. And helped me get through life. been taking it for about 3 years now and I'm 20 years old. My test results always come out good, of course I take care of my self and watch my diet. Highly recommend this medication.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Ed | 25-34 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
8/1/2014
Condition: Manic-Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've taken lithium for over 10 years on and off. I've tried every medication for bipolar. Lithium is by far the best and one of the oldest medicine used to treat bipolar. Just keep up with your blood tests and don't eat to much.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/10/2014
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

i recently started taking lithium 300mg's twice a day for bipolar and depression. I suffer from hand tremors and even at times full body tremors but only when i dont drink enough water. I have also gained several pounds but i'm told i only look healthier since i was under weight to begin with. My mood is much more stable and i smile and laugh more now than i have in years since i started the lithium treatment. I feel normal in groups of people and not only has it helped my bipolar depression it has also helped massively with anxiety. I do occasionally have a manic episode but usually the manic high not low which i can handle. This medication has improved me as a mother, friend and just helped me to become a normal person again, it feels great. I highly recommend this medication.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT USER-GENERATED CONTENT ON WEBMD

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions.

Read More