Oh Nick, did you think long term lithium definitely leads to serious health Problems? I’ve been on Lithium since 2007 (priadel too) and, other than thyroid issues, which are managed with meds, I’ve been fine. Obviously there is the potential for difficulties but as long as you look after yourself, have regular blood tests and are careful if you are ill, dieting etc, there’s no reason why you should have those difficulties. Lithium is a safe medication, if used correctly. As for the swallowing problem, yes they’re chalky but there’s ways of getting round them. If you’re taking the 400mg tablets, have you thought about breaking them in half to make it easier to swallow. Or maybe asking for your meds in 200mg (eg taking 4 x 200 rather than 2 x 400?)
Please, please don’t miss doses, with any medication that makes it harder to manage it and that’s particularly true with Lithium. The truth is that, if you take it responsibly and look after yourself, it’s a very effective medication and, truthfully, it’s the one drug I take that I would absolutely refuse to be taken off. It’s changed my life.
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