Can Lithium be used for panic attacks

[Wilburis]

Hello

I suffer with major panic attacks and constant anxiety. I have treied countless ADs, which dont work, now my Psychiatrist wants to put me on Lithium!?!?!

I thought this was for depression. How will it help my panic?

If anyone has experience of Lithium, please could you help me.

Thanks - Liz xx

[jo61]

Hi Liz, I've been on Lithium for almost a year now. It's made a huge difference to me. It's normally prescribed for bipolar depression to manage the highs and lows. However, it's also used for recurrent depression with anxiety which I suffer from. It was explained to me that in the same way it's used for bipolar, it manages anxiety (highs) and depression (lows). I did put on quite a bit of weight with it but am now getting that under control. What I like about it is that it's more natural than other anti-depressants and in my view less toxic. It's a bit of a faff when you start as they have to keep taking blood tests to make sure the level is correct but once it's stable I've only had to have tests every 3 months, to check the level along with thyroid and kidney function. A lot of people are afraid of it as it's stigmatised as a bipolar medicine but for me it's been a godsend.

[joy]

That has cheered me up as I've just been prescribed Lamictal similar to Litium and I'm worried sick.

Any one on this one

How long did it take the litium to work??

Love Joy

[jo61]

I find this medication site useful. My psych is considering Lamictal as an add on but I reckon I'm on enough meds as it is! Also I rather the natural nature of lithium.

http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/epi2.htm

For me the Lithium worked very quickly once I was on the right dose.

[joy]

Thanks for that

Joy