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Why Do I Cry For No Reason While On Lithium?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016
Question: I am a 56 yr. old woman. Have been diagnosed with bipolar 2. Am on Lithium right now for 3 weeks. My problem is that I have many days when all I can do is cry for no reason at all. The crying is isolating and very debilitating. I cannot make it stop by self will. Please help me. I see a psychiatrist regularly and dont seem to be getting better.
I am taking 300 mg. of lithium And 225mg. of lamictal and 6.5 mg of abilify and 1200mg. of gabapentin.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Lithium can be the reason, need to add antidepressant medicine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Lithium can cause crying as a side effect. You need to discuss with your doctor for this possibility and stopping the drug. Valproate sodium can be replacement drug.

Considering your history uncontrolled excessive crying is likely part of bipolar depression. In that case there is need of adding anti depressant drug from SSRI group.

Other rare possibility is some neurological problem like seizure. To rule out this neurological examination, EEG and MRI brain scan are required. Better to take opinion of neurologist once.

Please discuss this with your psychiatrist and move forward.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Why Do I Cry For No Reason While On Lithium?

Brief Answer: Lithium can be the reason, need to add antidepressant medicine Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. Lithium can cause crying as a side effect. You need to discuss with your doctor for this possibility and stopping the drug. Valproate sodium can be replacement drug. Considering your history uncontrolled excessive crying is likely part of bipolar depression. In that case there is need of adding anti depressant drug from SSRI group. Other rare possibility is some neurological problem like seizure. To rule out this neurological examination, EEG and MRI brain scan are required. Better to take opinion of neurologist once. Please discuss this with your psychiatrist and move forward. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr Chintan Solanki.