Can lithium cause stuttering and should I see a doctor immediately?


Question:
I have been having minor stuttering today

Answers:
Sounds like what you're experiencing as a reaction called Tardive Dyskinesia, which is an adverse reaction to a psychotropic drug, which lithium would be considered, even though technically it is a salt, in the metalloid family, and is even found on the periodic table of elements (from your chemistry class!)
I was on lithium for 6 years and finally switched to another medication because I didn't like the side effects of lithium. With me, it was kind of like you describe: a stutter, but more like, my jaw and mouth would move sort of tremor as I tried to get the words out: almost like you do when you're cold and you shiver.
One thing about lithium: the "window" as they call it, in the blood level, for it to be effective and not toxic is extremely narrow, like within a few one-hondreths of a percent. So, yeah: have your doc do a lithium blood level check on you. And ask about alternative meds too. I take Depakote now and it works great!
You don't state why you are taking lithium. Always contact your doctor if you have medical concerns. Don't seek medical advice from 12 year olds on YA.


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