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Can Lithium Induces Hypothyroidism?
Question: can lithium induces hypothyroidism? i stopped taking lithium because dr. wanted me to take levex forgot how to spell it most popular drug for thyroid problems. don't want to take this drug that drug and another drug just like they always prescribe so I'm going a different route I'm 51 172 pounds white and think I've been misdiagnosed bipolar instead of hypothyroidism . Please reply
Brief Answer:
Hi lithium can cause hypothyroidism.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I admire you for positive outlook.
Very glad to see you.
Lithium is one of the best drug that used in bipolar disorder. Long term lithium can cause disturbance in thyroid function. Lithium causes hypothyroidism in many cases.
If hypothyroidism is diagnosed while taking lithium then we need to do intervention.
- 1st is add medicine that is thyroxine. It is available in various doses and dose depend upon TSH level.
- 2nd is change drug from lithium to other mood stabilizer. But it depends upon patients clinical profile and response of lithium. It is most preferable. After stopping lithium thyroid function will come to normal gradually.
You can go for either options. But most of the time there may be mild worsening in bipolar features. As you said misdiagnosed but you are on lithium since 10 year then how can it be possible. So discuss with your psychiatrist about that two options.
Still if you have a query then feel free to ask. Always here to help you.
Thank you.
Take care.
Hi lithium can cause hypothyroidism.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I admire you for positive outlook.
Very glad to see you.
Lithium is one of the best drug that used in bipolar disorder. Long term lithium can cause disturbance in thyroid function. Lithium causes hypothyroidism in many cases.
If hypothyroidism is diagnosed while taking lithium then we need to do intervention.
- 1st is add medicine that is thyroxine. It is available in various doses and dose depend upon TSH level.
- 2nd is change drug from lithium to other mood stabilizer. But it depends upon patients clinical profile and response of lithium. It is most preferable. After stopping lithium thyroid function will come to normal gradually.
You can go for either options. But most of the time there may be mild worsening in bipolar features. As you said misdiagnosed but you are on lithium since 10 year then how can it be possible. So discuss with your psychiatrist about that two options.
Still if you have a query then feel free to ask. Always here to help you.
Thank you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
only been on lithium 5 years but been diagnosed bipolar for 10 years so don't take the famous thyroid drug levex... ? or what about actalin for my iodine levels and thyroid? and why is my stomach hurting and feel more tired. so how do if I no if I've been misdiagnosed?
only been on lithium 5 years do you think I've been misdiagnosed
only been on lithium 5 years do you think I've been misdiagnosed
Brief Answer:
Hi find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As per my knowledge levex is levofloxacine and it is antibiotic not used in thyroid. Can you tell me proper drug content of levex??
Levothyroxine is the choice in lithium induce hypothyroidism.
Actalin can not helpful as such. Levothyroxine is better than it.
Stomach problem can be part of lithium withdrawal because sudden cessation after long term use.
You can go with lithium plus Levothyroxine for better results.
Or switch to valporate from lithium. But do take advise from your psychiatrist.
Thank you.
Hi find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As per my knowledge levex is levofloxacine and it is antibiotic not used in thyroid. Can you tell me proper drug content of levex??
Levothyroxine is the choice in lithium induce hypothyroidism.
Actalin can not helpful as such. Levothyroxine is better than it.
Stomach problem can be part of lithium withdrawal because sudden cessation after long term use.
You can go with lithium plus Levothyroxine for better results.
Or switch to valporate from lithium. But do take advise from your psychiatrist.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
so you don't think I've been misdiagnosed? yes that is the drug levothyroxine I did research on that it said it wouldn't do much together with lithium when will my stomach stop hurting? doesn't iodine and selenium make your thyroid work properly it's lithium a beta blocker? beta blockers stop iodine and selenium from going to the thyroid? my dr said I didn't need my iodine checked whats your reply worried have lots of questions
Brief Answer:
Hi find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for revert back.
1st lithium is not beta blocker and it is mood stabilizer. It is used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.
How can I say that you has been misdiagnosed? ? I do not know your symptoms or clinical history of your illness. I just said because you took lithium since long and nobody can tolerate it without illness.
Iodine and salenium is not such useful . Need to take Levothyroxine as per thyroid function
It is difficult to say about Stomach problem go for ultrasound for underlying cause.
Discuss with your doctor and start therapy regularaly.
Thank you. Take care.
Hi find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for revert back.
1st lithium is not beta blocker and it is mood stabilizer. It is used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.
How can I say that you has been misdiagnosed? ? I do not know your symptoms or clinical history of your illness. I just said because you took lithium since long and nobody can tolerate it without illness.
Iodine and salenium is not such useful . Need to take Levothyroxine as per thyroid function
It is difficult to say about Stomach problem go for ultrasound for underlying cause.
Discuss with your doctor and start therapy regularaly.
Thank you. Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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