Alternatives to Lithium

[FBR]

Currently on 1000 Lithium and set to see my Psych this week. Have mentioned that I hate Lithium with a vengeance. But what are the alternatives to Lithium? For a unipolar patient. If any what are the side effects of these drugs.
Would appreciate the advice of real people rather than my psychiatrist.

[paul m]

Hello FBR. The next most poplar treatment seems to be mood stabilizers (, anticonvulsants) , than antipsychotic drugs, followed by some combo of them. I was on lithium and a mood stabilizers . Each medication has it's own side effect,currently I take Zyprexa, seroquel and lorazepam. I have included a listed a couple of web pages that may be of some help,Take Care, paul m https://www.healthline.com/health/mo...edication-list https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/m...tic-medication

[uni]

Hello FBR. As far as I know, the main alternatives are mood stabilizers. Epival (valproic acid) and Lamictal (lamotrigine) being two. As Paul has mentioned, each med has its own unique potential side effects. I think it's a great idea to check out the websites Paul has linked to for more details. Meanwhile, I wish you the best with your appointment this week!

[luaprelkniw]

I must admit I haven't checked out the link that Paul M. provided, but in my own experience anti-psychotics have been used as mood stabilisers for many years. Caveat: I have bipolar, so the chemical action may be different than for you.

[luaprelkniw]

As an aside, I have found pharmacists to be a fount of information about medications - you could try there.