Apparently Caroline has hypothyroidism which is a known side effect of long-term lithium use. We are taking her to a pediatric endocrinologist in a week. Hopefully we can get this straightened out. She has been very sleepy lately, hard to rouse in the morning, more than usual. If it is not one thing, it's another! We probably won't discontinue the lithium, but she may need to start taking medication for the thyroid.
Hi Megan-
ReplyDeleteOur doctor has recently mentioned that we may need to add Lithium to my daughters meds- She is 15- diagnosed bipolar 2 within this last year- her current meds include seroquel xr, lamictal and lunesta for sleep but she still struggles with mood swings and difficulty "turning her brain off" to sleep. She was much worse on antidepressants- we tried 4 before taking her off. I would appreciate any insight from you and any of your readers about Lithium and how your children have done with it....
Thanks!!!
We are undergoing this exact same thing with my 8 year old Elijah who is also on Lithium. We have an appointment for him to see an Endocrinologist on the 23rd.
ReplyDeleteAt least thyroid medication is relatively inexpensive and doesn't have any side effects (so long as you find the correct dose which cant take a while). It also shouldn't interact with other drugs...
ReplyDeleteMy oh my, it seems to never end. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had any side effects from my son's meds yet, but he is still young and hasn't been on them long. I guess I need to prepare myself for this possibility.
Already I worry for his kidneys (one slightly damaged from kidney reflux) because he doesn't drink enough water when taking medication that requires it.
We have kidney worries too! She has an ultrasound on Thursday to check for kidney reflux.
ReplyDeleteIt feels so wrong to have to give our kids meds to counteract the side effects of other meds, instead of taking them off of it, but we do what needs to be done. We tried lithium, but it just made my daughter desperately thirsty and wasn't effective. Everyone's chemistry is just soo different.
ReplyDeleteMary in TX
FYI - speaking from personal experience from Lithium, the thirstiness does go away after a few weeks and it also takes a few weeks to see the affects. :)
ReplyDeleteMandy
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ReplyDelete