I am reposting in this form as I didn't get feedback when I posted under prozac. Sorry if I am off topic.
I've just be told by my doc to add a tablet of lithium to my daily dose of antidepressants (prozac) . I would like to ask if anyone has tried this and what is to be expected? I had visited her complaining that Prozac no longer has the same effect on my after 10 years of taking it. Her suggestion was to try adding lithium for two weeks before experimenting with other medication. She also said that Lithium isn't really an antidepressant but rather just a natural element. Is this true ?

Lithium has been known to increase the AD effects of Prozac, and does have AD effects itself, as far as I am aware. Your best course is to make sure you discuss it with your doc, though, as we aren't experts.

The use of Lithium in the UK is undertaken with regular blood tests, as it depends on how much is in the blood stream as to how well the drug works. 'Just' adding Lithium seems to be an odd way of handling a depressive illness. Lithium is a specialised drug not generally used wholly for depression.

I find that after 5-8 years the AD I'm taking stops working as well as I would like which means I need to try another drug. Making a list of how you feel when Prozac is working for you and how you are feeling now, might mean that you need a slight tweak of the doseage, not another drug on top!

Have a chat with a Pharmacist for advice on whether this procedure is usual?

Drowning,

I have been on Lithium for more then two years now, at first it was along with Prozac as well, Lithium joined in trying to strengthen the effect of prozac, but also to be used as a mood stabilizer. I am no longer on Prozac, but I have found Lithium very effective in my state. Lithium is actualy a natural salt, your doctor is right by saying Lithium is not an antidepressant. It has much efficiency to many other cases. From what I understand the function of Lithium in your case is to increase the effects of Ad's taken along with it. Then again, if you realy feel, and justifiably that you wish for a more specified interpretation, talk to your doctor. I am quite certain she has all the right and required answers to give you. Let us know how you are doing.

Here if you need me,
Keren.

I started taking lithium carb 450mg E. R. tab with cybalta I want to know more info

Lithium has to be regulated by blood tests. Your Doctor should have done a blood works first and another in 3-4 weeks then regularly. Lithium can be really helpful when used in the correct doseage, my Dad took it for years. It should not be given as a last resort but under controlled care - WHOOPS - can see I added this comment under 'leah' earlier this year

Lithium is a mood stabilizer with antidepressant properties, like lamotrigine. Just because it's not in the family of drugs called "antidepressants" doesn't mean it's not an anti-depressant.

Get your bloodwork done on a regular basis, especially since you're mixing it with fluoxetine. Drink lots and lots of water.

Google lithium carbonate and read up on it. It's not a drug to be taken lightly. Send me a PM for a web-site which has a great section on lithium that will tell you lots about lithium in "plain English."

Edited to remove URL which is not allowed under DF TOS.

This post has been edited by Lizzy: Mar 6 2008, 06:54 AM