Bi-Polar advice? Husband entering manic phase!?

Question:

He has been diagnosed for 3 years and meds that he has tried have scared him (and the rest of us) with bad side effects. So has been unmedicated. He recognized the beginning of this phase (we have seen some horrific episodes in the last couple years), anyway he is going today to see about medication (probably lithium).
Any ideas/experiences about side effects or how long it takes to build up to effective levels would be greatly appreciated!

Answers:
I have been on Lithium for 10 years and I like it. You have to have your blood tested frequently so that they can tell the level in your blood...That is how they determine the dose.

They can't raise your prescritpion too quickly because there is a fine line between the therapeutic dose and toxicity. And to make sure they are at the right level, the docs will monitor your blood each time they increase or decrease the dose.

General side effects: weight gain, stomach problems, REALLLY thirsty (but it goes away), have to pee alot (but it goes away), headache, tremor in the hands

I have not had that many side effects. And my doctor combines it with another mood stabilizer. Works well.....

Lithium has been the drug of choice for Bipolar disorder for decades, it has a proven track record. It can take up to three weeks to build an adequate level of control depending of course upon the dose and your hubby's metabolic rate. Side effects vary greatly from one person to the next, so read the informational insert that comes with the drug.

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Bi-Polar advice? Husband entering manic phase!?

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