Can Anyone Who Knows About Bipolar Disorder and Treatments Answer a Few Questions?
Question by Skye: Can anyone who knows about bipolar disorder and treatments answer a few questions?
I’m 35 and have suffered from what I thought was mainly severe depression and anxiety from around age 8 or 9. I also am a drug addict and alcoholic in recovery. A psychiatrist prescribed me 300 mg. of Lithium 2 X a day and 100 mg. of Zoloft 1X a day. Doesn’t that seem like a lot? I’m scared to try them. I’m afraid of how it’ll make me feel. Will it be noticeable the day I take them or will I have to wait a few weeks when the drugs start building up in my system? And do you know why they need to do blood tests? I’m also on Methadone, could the combination of the drugs be dangerous? I can’t stop taking Methadone as it working very well for a serious opiate addiction. I also can’t continue to live as depressed as I have been lately.
Best answer:
Answer by thegospodinofffamily
It sounds like the starting dosage you need according to your doctor. The Zoloft May take a couple weeks to build up to a therapeutic level in your body, but you may feel the affects of the Lithium well before that.
Answer by Screwedrenter
First, I understand that you are trying to stop using opiates and I applaud you for that. But, its unfair to expect a psychiatrist to be able to determine your mood and symptoms when you are still using the methadone. Opiate use produces symptoms that mimic mental illness. That said, the amount and dosage sound just right for just beginning. Lithium is a mood stabilizer and MUST be taken as prescribed by a Dr. The blood tests are required because the Lithium needs to be in therapeutic range. After the blood test your dr. can figure out if you need an increase or decrease. Trust me Lithium works….and if the Zoloft fails many people have been very effective with Lamictol. Make sure your Dr. is aware of your methadone use. Good luck.