[Research] Lithium?

[Literophile]

Has anyone on here tried lithium for seizure control? How well does/did it work?

[Nakamova]

I think that lithium is prescribed more as a mood stabilizer than as an anti-epileptic drug. Its use is problematic because it can quickly go from therapeutic to toxic, and because there have to be frequent tests to check serum levels and protect against thyroid or kidney damage.

These links suggests that lithium can CAUSE seizures:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3117123
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...25505004001015
and that it's especially dangerous for people with seizure disorders to take lithium:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/456879_3

[Literophile]

TT~TT

I'm just trying to cut down the amount of medications I take. I'm looking up what works for my type of headaches, and lithium came up, and I know someone who takes lithium with her anti-epileptic drugs so... Oh well. Thanks for the sites.

[Endless]

I've heard of Lithium being used for serious cases of depression or bi-polar. With big warnings about side effects. And Nakamova is right - it can make seizures worse.

Here's the package insert for lithium on the FDA website (dailymed). Read it. Seriously.
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed...o.cfm?id=12165''

Central Nervous System
Blackout spells, epileptiform seizures, slurred speech, dizziness, vertigo, incontinence of urine or feces, somnolence, psychomotor retardation, restlessness, confusion, stupor, coma, acute dystonia, downbeat nystagmus.

Cardiovascular
Cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, peripheral circulatory collapse, sinus node dysfunction with severe bradycardia (which may result in syncope).

Neurological
Cases of pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure and papilledema) have been reported with lithium use. If undetected, this condition may result in enlargement of the blind spot, constriction of visual fields and eventual blindness due to optic atrophy. Lithium should be discontinued, if clinically possible, if this syndrome occurs.

I know what you mean about reducing the number of meds. Talk it over carefully with your doc before you make up your mind about Lithium.

A little piece of historical info: When Juan Ponce de Leon thought he had found the fountain of youth in Florida, some believe what he actually found was a pond with an upwelling of water with high levels of lithium. It caused a feeling of elevated mood or euphoria, which made them feel younger. Good thing they didn't have long term exposure! They didn't have blood panel tests back then!

[Nakamova]

A little piece of historical info: When Juan Ponce de Leon thought he had found the fountain of youth in Florida, some believe what he actually found was a pond with an upwelling of water with high levels of lithium. It caused a feeling of elevated mood or euphoria, which made them feel younger. Good thing they didn't have long term exposure! They didn't have blood panel tests back then!

Lithium used to be in 7-Up too, until the 1950s. I guess it made folks "Up."

[Literophile]

Wow, that is so interesting! I love trivia.

:/ Well, I know I'm going to have to take at least two medications all my life: dexamethasone and one (or more) for seizure control. And I have awful headaches... Endless, what do you take for yours?