I just started taking the supplement lithium orotate for anxiety and to give me a feeling of calm and well-being. (My holistic practictioner wanted to prescribe a low level of the prescription form for me but I decided to try the supplement form first.) My question is: Is it OK to take this while on an SSRI (Lexapro)? Would this possibly cause seratonin syndrome? He advised that this is a natural occurring substance that the body needs and many people have low levels of this.
My lyme and co-infections have given me symptoms of anxiety and depression. I am trying to alleviate them. Any suggestions? I also have problems with sleeping (I fall asleep and wake up in the middle of the night.)
Posted by James1979 (Member # 31926) on :
I've never heard of lithium causing serotonin syndrome.
Have you tried 5-HTP and melatonin? Those are my favorites.
Posted by James1979 (Member # 31926) on :
Oh yeah - and kefir has a surprisingly powerful tranquilizing effect.
Also kava kava root is great for anxiety.
Posted by Lala (Member # 29864) on :
I think it should be ok. I am myself on NASA and trying to wean off. I added lithium orotate and it had immediate calming effect, so I am now taking it together.
Posted by landerss (Member # 17732) on :
It's fine to take them together - I've been doing it for a while with no probs!
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
lithium orotate works really well for me if i take 4 a day. my doc said that dosage is fine for me.
i've tried kava kava (herb pharm) didn't do much for me.
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
If you are on thyroid meds for hypo, lithium will reduce their effectiveness.
Posted by hopeandfaith (Member # 19884) on :
Yes I am on thyroid meds. Maybe I should try something else then.
Posted by thehause (Member # 21237) on :
I've started taking lithium orotate 120-240mg a day because i've read a study where severally depressed or anxious individuals which suffered from a reduction in brain mass due to the depression/anxiety had a reversal of this loss of mass while taking lithium.
i don't really know if its done anything yet at this point, but... its not hurt anything. and I'm taking an SSRI.
Posted by LSG Scott (Member # 21624) on :
due some research and you will find that the supplement lithium orotate is nothing like the prescription drug Lithium
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
I would take low dose prescription Lithium. You will have the certainty of quality control, consistency in the product, FDA approved. And some people think the prescription Lith. Carbonate is easier on your kidneys than orotate. Lithium has 'robust' neuroprotective qualities and is good for the brain.
Too much Lithium, however is detrimental and can cause tremors, kidney damage. Fortunately the test to check lithium levels in the blood is easy and inexpensive.
Posted by thehause (Member # 21237) on :
Still a lithium salt, though of course they are different strengths.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Our body needs VERY LITTLE Li. Must watch levels very carefully...blood tests.
Lithium or Depakote are given to treat manic depression and both come with potentially significant side effects. The levels need to be monitored routinely!
Google: Gallium nitrate...read, read, read.
Note: in lyme, PKC is triggered (though Bb may inhibit ONE form of PKC). P = protein, K = kinase i.e., transfer of phosphate, C = CALCIUM activated.
Many hormones are effected in lyme.
Watch your PTH level...for starters.
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
Be sure to read both Part 1 and Part 2 of this article about the need for Lithium. I had posted these articles several years ago and I have been taking it on and off for years. I test myself energetically and ever so often it comes up and it's time to take it again.
Take care.
Posted by Lala (Member # 29864) on :
Gigi, did you have any problems when going off lithium or not?
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
up
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
I only occasionally take lithium when I energetically test for it myself. I used to take it more frequently when I was still dealing with mineral deficiency/metal toxicity. I probably have taken it once within 3 weeks or so. When I test myself for it, I take it.
Reading the articles I posted above is important.
Take care.
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
Lithium in the various forms (orotate, carbonate rx, aspartate) is for replacing deficiency and they protect the nerves.