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Can lithium cause dysautonomia?

Does anyone know if lithium can cause dysautonomia?

My psychiatrist doesn't think that lithium (for depression) has caused my symptoms, but I'm not so sure.

Thanks
Best Answer
875426 tn?1325528416
With me, I think the lithium made a me a little hypothyroid, if I remember correctly and prior to and post taking lithium, my TSH has always been normal.  You mention dry eye- have they made sure your estrogen levels aren't too low?  This became a big problem with me with surgical menopause- dry eye.  

And regarding your exhausted state, did they check your ferritin to find out if an iron deficiency mightn't be contributing to that (besides thyroid & dysautonomia problems)?  Iron deficiency, besides dysautonomia, can also cause dizziness and headache as well.  

It's great you have a willingness to do your utmost to be well!  Getting that ferritin checked in case it's low would be a step I'd recommend & also, a check on your female hormonal levels to see if they are out of whack.
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875426 tn?1325528416
I developed a bad case of dry eye myself post complete hysterectomy.  They told me to use drops at least five times a day.  You're welcome!
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Avatar universal
Hi there, sorry it took me so long to reply. Too tired!
My ferritin is fine, but I'm going to get my female hormones tested as you suggested. I never knew this could cause dry-eye!

Thank you.
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Avatar universal
I already had thyroid problems for 5 years before I started the lithium. I'm trying to find out if lithium can make pre-existing low thyroid worse. My blood tests for thyroid have been up and down and all over the place for a couple of years.

But even when my levels are good, I still have symptoms.

I want to find what's caused these health problems. To find out if it's auto-immune dysautonomia, medication-induced or just one of those things. I'm so exhausted, hot,  and dizzy, with chronic dry eyes, headaches etc and I want to do whatever I can to be well.
Helpful - 0
875426 tn?1325528416
I took lithium for awhile- not sure about the dysautonomia, but believe while I was taking it, it was the only time my thyroid function test didn't come back normal.  Have you had that tested recently?
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