I take Lithium ER 450MG during the day and I can't keep my eyes open...

Question

If I take the same dose at night to help my racing thoughts I'm aggitated and can't sleep at all. I just thrash in bed. What is up with the difference between night and day sleep?

Answer 1

This is just a guess, but it sounds like your ciridian rhythm is out of cync.  There's research suggesting a relationship between dysfunctioning internal clock and bipolar, and almost anyone who is can tell ya about sleeping most the day and being up much of the night.  I know I sure can.  If I take most of my stabilizers during the day, I'm sedated.  If I take them at night, I still need Seroquel to sleep.  Anyway, like I said, it's a guess.  Talk to your doc.  It might not be the med for you, it might be right at night w/something else, or your dose might be too low and you should take it at the night, or some other thing your doc figures out.

Answer 2

What side effects may occur?

The possibility of side effects varies with the level of lithium in your bloodstream. If you experience unfamiliar symptoms of any kind, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Side effects that may occur when you start taking lithium include:

Discomfort, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, nausea

Other side effects may include: Diarrhea, ****drowsiness****, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, vomiting ~~~

You could try taking it at night, just before lights out, but also using the many insomnia treatments in section 3, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris (view page O first) such as taking valerian beforehand, and then employing the relaxation technique of your choice, in bed, after lights out.

Alternatively, see section 10; page O first, and consider trying the alternative treatments, then slowly reducing the lithium.

Or, there are other medications, such as Lamictal, or Depakote. Try http://crazymeds.us & http://www.askapatient.com about these alternatives.