Symptoms, Timeline & Coping — Talkspace

There are a number of issues to learn about safely coming off Lithium with out experiencing withdrawal results. Lithium is a medicine used to deal with bipolar dysfunction and mania. It works by appearing in your central nervous system, though we don’t totally perceive the way it stabilizes temper. For some individuals, the medicine might not be the best match, or the unwanted effects (like Lithium weight acquire) is perhaps affecting you an excessive amount of. In both case, you would possibly think about stopping the medicine.

However, when discontinuing Lithium or some other drug, there might be potential dangers as a result of a drastic alteration in physique chemistry. While typical drug withdrawal signs aren’t as frequent with Lithium as with different drugs, there’s a actual threat of bipolar episodes returning upon stopping the medicine.

Learning what to anticipate is important for those who discontinue utilizing Lithium. Symptoms can vary from delicate to extreme, relying on how lengthy you took the drug and the way shortly you stopped taking it.

Keep studying as we discover the emotional and bodily signs of Lithium withdrawal so you possibly can safely cease taking your medicine if wanted. 

Can Lithium Be Stopped Cold Turkey?

Discontinuing Lithium abruptly with out the course of your physician just isn’t really useful. Any modifications to how and while you take your medicine should think about potential Lithium withdrawal signs. 

Research suggests that withdrawal from Lithium might be much less intense than when stopping different medicine. However, there can nonetheless be unwanted effects as your physique adjusts to not having the medicine in your system. 

“Lithium should not be stopped cold turkey. Depending on the dosage, the kind of Lithium — immediate-release or extended-release — should be considered. Speak with your doctor before stopping this medication.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

Withdrawal Symptoms of Lithium

Lithium withdrawal signs can range from individual to individual, however some individuals report experiencing sleep disturbance, elevated anxiousness, and irritability.  

Physical signs

Physical signs of Lithium withdrawal can embrace:

• Increased and extreme urination
• Hand tremors
• Excessive thirst
• Weak muscle groups
• Dry mouth

It’s vital to notice that prolonged use of Lithium may end up in Lithium toxicity, so staying on it long-term isn’t at all times the very best course of upkeep therapy.

Emotional signs

In addition to the bodily withdrawal signs of stopping Lithium, there are additionally emotional unwanted effects to pay attention to. One of essentially the most important factors to be aware of is that analysis exhibits stopping Lithium remedy abruptly will increase the danger of returning episodes of melancholy or mania.

How Long Does Lithium Withdrawal Last?

Similar to the way it can take time to regulate to Lithium unwanted effects, it will possibly additionally take some time for the physique to grow to be accustomed to now not having Lithium focus in its system. If you propose to cease taking this medicine, your physician will in all probability have you ever accomplish that progressively to attenuate the danger of elevated bipolar episodes.  

Lithium withdrawal timeline

A Lithium withdrawal timeline can differ from individual to individual, however having an thought of what to anticipate might help you navigate the method.  

The first few days after you cease taking Lithium might be notably difficult as a result of elevated ranges of hysteria or melancholy. As a end result, chances are you’ll really feel unsteady, have hassle sleeping, or get irritated shortly. Symptoms usually peak inside a couple of days and may progressively enhance as your physique adjusts.

In research, the danger of mania returning after stopping Lithium therapy elevated throughout the first couple of weeks. Everyone’s restoration timeline differs barely, so persistence is essential.

“Duration of the medication and other medicines taken with Lithium are factors to be considered before getting off. Lithium discontinuation abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, like heightened anxiety, irritability, agitation, tremors.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

When does Lithium withdrawal peak?

As talked about, Lithium withdrawal can differ from different medicine withdrawal signs. That stated, keep in mind that inside the first week or 2 of discontinuing use, there’s the next probability that manic episode recurrences would possibly happen. Remember {that a} manic relapse is feasible even for those who simply cease taking Lithium focus for a couple of days. 

More analysis should be carried out to grasp the implications of Lithium withdrawal totally. The backside line is that signs can range considerably.

How to Cope with a Lithium Withdrawal

There are safer methods to cease taking this medicine and keep away from extreme drug withdrawal from Lithium signs. Discuss along with your physician any dangers of stopping Lithium therapy in order that you recognize of any doable psychological or bodily unwanted effects.

To assist handle the results of Lithium discontinuation, self care methods like consuming nutritiously, exercising, getting sufficient sleep, and avoiding illicit substances or alcohol might be useful. 

Talk therapies like cognitive behavioral remedy (CBT) might help handle psychological signs related to withdrawing from Lithium remedy.

If you wrestle throughout this time, search further assist from pals or members of the family keen to hear with out judgment or criticism. You may additionally think about becoming a member of a assist group the place individuals meet and focus on psychological well being situations like bipolar or melancholy which will have been managed utilizing Lithium.

How Do I Safely Come Off Lithium?

Work intently along with your physician or psychiatrist to handle Lithium withdrawal results. They might help you create a plan that minimizes signs as they monitor your progress and alter medicine dosages if mandatory.

Before you resolve to come back off Lithium, you and your physician ought to think about your present psychological well being standing. If 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.  

Talk with a Licensed Psychiatrist

By consulting a psychiatrist, you possibly can obtain a personalised analysis and therapy plan to handle your particular Lithium withdrawal signs. Talking with a certified 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 you bought your prescription for Lithium on-line or in particular person, Talkspace might help stroll you thru your choices and show you how to discover an alternate therapy on-line.