Hi all,

So I've been on Lithium for quite some time (Bi-Polar I) and recently increased the dosage from 1200mg to 1600mg with my doctor because I had experienced hypomanic symptoms and then a big crash after that. I've been dutifully checking my Lithium levels, and they're totally within acceptable range.

It's been four weeks since I increased the dosage now and I'm still feeling pretty wonky, so I'm wondering if other people have had the same experience and this is okay and will resolve on its own or if I need to get with my doctor to see if we need to change something.

I've been experiencing sluggishness and numbness, sleepiness, some confusion and am easily overwhelmed by "complex" situations (like navigating the supermarket yesterday). I recently switched from regular Lithium to ER because I was experiencing pretty severe "crashes" in the afternoons, where around 2-3pm I would start to feel sad, extra confused, anxious and just generally bad. I switched over two weeks ago and while my self-reported "mood ratings" for each day are overall better, they're definitely not where I want them to be.

Anyone have relevant experience who might be able to shed light on the situation? Like I say, my hope is that this is all normal and the side-effects and what not will subside and I won't have to change anything. But if these time frames (four weeks since increased dose and 2 weeks since switch to ER) ought to be enough for things to stabilize, then that would be helpful too.

Thanks so much in advance for any help/wisdom/advice you can offer!

Yours,

T