Lithium Carbonate and bipolar disorder

I have been on lithium carbonate for 5 monthes. My hair has just started falling out a few weeks ago and I am not happy about this! I am also about 25 pounds overweight. I am very groggy in the morning- I take my pill at night. I am actually quite tired alot of the time, and thirsty but that isn't too bad, I drink alot of water. I went on lithium for bipolar disorder. I don't feel a change with my usual moods due to life, stress etc, but I am not manic.

I was given Lithium for my bipolar disorder, I was not on it long, maybe about a week before them side effects hit me, it made me sooo weak that I could not even lift my head up, I will be eating and take about 3 chews and would be extremely exhausted, I found out that extreme muscle weakness was one of the severe side effects so I stop taking it and now I am on Prozac

I've read some of the other postings here, and thought I might beable to help with some of those symptoms described. Lithium is probably the most widely used drug for bipolar disorder, mostly because of it's effectiveness in many cases. You must drink as much water as you can and avoid dehydration. Lithium can be hard on your liver, but the more you know about this drug the better, ask your pharmacist for in-depth info, that's what they are there for. People on Lithium should have their thyroid checked at least once a year for hypothyroidism. This condition will cause the hair loss, adult acne, fatigue, and weight gain. Again, something the docs don't tell you. Lithium will make it more challenging to keep excess weight off, but this is one side effect that is so common in so many drugs, one should not be so surprised. Eat more fruits and veggies and try to keep active, or learn to love your new body. Lithium was the first mood stabiliser I was put on, and it works great as long as you take your doses EXACTLY as prescribed and get your blood work done at least every 3 months. And as for the new 30 pounds I have, well that's life! I'd rather be happy and stable then skinny any day of the week! Good Luck to all of you.

My husband is on this for bipolar disorder and I don't know if it's the medication working or the fact that I was about to leave him that made him act more stable...but either way, he's doing a lot better. He's also on paxil for depression. His job requires a lot of physical work and strain, so when he's at home in the evening relaxing or laying down-he's out! In other words, it can make you feel tired and lathargic. I was on this medication before too and it not only made me tired, but I was hungry all the time...not starving, but I just wanted to eat all the time. My advice: get checked regularly because this drug is hard on your liver...or is it your kidneys? One of those:) and exercise because you'll need the energy boost that working out gives a person. Hope this helps.