Advice on starting Lithium please....

[dippy1]

Hi folks. After about three years of fighting the black dog I've now been started on lithium and will wean down the lamotrigine when it's up to level. I have always been very resistant to lithium but accept now that I ned to give it a go. Can anyone tell me when I might expect to notice any effects? I've been started on Priadel s/r 400mgs at night. I have noticed extreme thirst during the mornings and a funny smell/taste with food, also the fine tremor but again only in the mornings so far. I would really value other peoples advice/experience on this one as I feel I'm sailing unknown territory and feeling a bit freaked. Thanks.

[dippy1]

Does it have to be "water"or do all fluids count? I'm much happier with flavoured drinks and cups of tea. And what advice can you give about drinking alcohol?

[dippy1]

Does it have to be "water"or do all fluids count? I'm much happier with flavoured drinks and cups of tea.

[Seph1212]

Yes. Water. This is why I never went on it. I'm involved in too many sports and I'd probably sweat myself into some real problems.

[budicca]

When I started lithium, I had diarrhea but that was because I didn't drink enough water. Water is the key.  If I don't keep up with it, I get sick. I've noticed tremors in the morning, too. But there again, I drink water, have some food and usually the tremors go away. Lithium is a salt and a diuretic meaning that it makes you thirsty and makes you have to pee a lot.  The best advice: drink LOTS of water.