A 2017 but still interesting podcast from the BBC World Service about the health and consumer applications of lithium.
Until recently, when, after thirty years I am experiencing some symptoms that may be side effects, I have found lithium trouble free.
This podcast explores the history of the health-giving effects of this elemental metal and how it was introduced into psychiatry
As with most medications there are pros and cons. Lithium has kept me more or less well for over thirty years, but I lost a few things on the way, a stunting of creativity, an inability to concentrate for reading for any length of time, slight weight gain (nothing like Olanzapine though, which saw me balloon in weeks). During the pandemic I developed numbness in both feet, which is being investigated and at the moment is considered most likely is due to long term lithium use.
It’s a trade off: medicated stability versus bipolar chaos – Love/hate lithium.
Information about Lithium treatment for bipolar
British National Formulary – information for clinicians on treatment, doses, side effects
NHS treatment – bipolar disorder – guidance from the NHS
Medication and treatment – information from charity Bipolar UK