Lithium is the drug I have the most difficult time writing about. Not because I can’t remember, but basically this is where my nightmare started. 

It was in the spring of 2010, four months into my prescription drug program, that I was prescribed Lithium as my second treatment drug.

My first drug prescribed for my treatment plan was Lamictal, which provided me with no relief for my symptoms of depression. Actually, during the four months I was solely on Lamictal, my depression worsened as well as having increased negative thoughts and mood swings.

Without even considering my symptoms being worsened by the Lamictal, my healthcare prescriber advised me to add Lithium to my treatment. Her reasoning behind this was at my age, a mood disorder would intensify.  So, I listened to her professional advice and began taking Lithium while staying on Lamictal.

Over the years, Lithium was referred to me by my health care providers as my base medication.

Deep inside I questioned remaining on Lithium, since I truly never felt Lithium was helping me.

In fact, the whole time I was on Lithium, my mental and physical wellness continued to deteriorate. However, I was convinced otherwise and remained on Lithium throughout my entire drug prescription treatment years.

Within the seven-year drug treatment period, my Lithium dosage changed from 300mg to 900 mg daily and varied from Controlled Release to Extended-Release tablets. I was informed my therapeutic dosage was 900 mg daily, but I never was able to tolerate 900 mg. 

Unfortunately, blood tests checking my Lithium levels were rarely prescribed and information pertaining to how my levels should be monitored was never discussed by my prescriber.

During times when I was on Lithium, I felt as though I would lose my mind. Each and every time I went up to 900 mg, it caused complete mental insanity. But the go to treatment plan by each and every healthcare prescriber was to increase my dosage to get to the so-called therapeutic dose. 

After seven years, I had enough, and I choose to take charge.

On May 6, 2017, I took my last prescription drug pill — Lithium.