What are lithium side effects?

lithium side effects

• iam taking lithium tabs with effexor as a treatment for a major depression i suffer since four months.this treatment made my muscles stiff and aching and reduced my libido : 1- how can i reduce muscle stiffness and ache ? 2- how can i improve my libido ?

• Answer:

  Thank you for the question. Some side effects are to be expected with anti-depressents. However, there may be some methods to reduce them. I will outline some of these methods below. This information is not medical advice, it is simply a reflection of the information regarding your question on the internet. Please contract a doctor before altering your dosage or drug regimen. You very well may be aware of this, but I need to clarify my intent. Now, on to your question! _______________________________________________ If you are experiencing swelling of your neck or legs, it could signal low thyroid function and you should contact your doctor. http://bipolar.about.com/cs/sfx/a/sfx_lithium.htm The muscle stiffness is odd, as Lithium has muscle relaxant properties. Perhaps the tension is related to your condition and not the treatment. This could also be the result of an allergic reaction, if you haven't yet confirmed that that is not the case. The following herbs may help with the muscle pain: "Ginger - a powerful herb with many therapeutic benefits, including immune system stimulation and and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger relieves muscle aches as well as secondary fibromyalgia symptoms such as headaches and nausea. Olive Leaf - olive leaf has been shown to have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, along with immune boosting and anti-inflammatory capability. Gotu Kola - long used in Indian medicine, gotu kola strengthens tisses and blood vessels. It also acts a rejuvenator and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric - contains the compound curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory for treating muscle pain and swelling. Also contains powerful antioxidants which can ward off illness by ridding the body of dangerous toxins. " http://www.herbal-supplements-guide.com/fibromyalgia-herbs.html "White Willow Bark: Thought to inhibit the neural transfer of pain signals.  Contains the natural pharmaceutically active compound salicin, or salicylic acid, the chemical forerunner of acetylsalicylic acid (modern aspirin), known to complement the body's ability to relieve discomfort but without the possible complications caused by aspirin.  Capsicum Frutescens: Used effectively to relieve pain, apparently by  desensitizing sensory receptors on cells, and thus effectively blocking pain signals from being processed.  Calcium Carbonate: A necessary mineral for helping the body calm nerves and buffer impulses within the nervous system.  Fo-Ti: A popular Chinese herb used to alleviate pain by aiding the body's  production of natural calming agents.  Calming Herbs (Valeriana Officinalis, Radix Heraclei & More): Contain a number of alkaloids that act as nerve sedatives, helping to reduce tension and calm nerves." http://www.naturalypure.com/PainRelief.htm   The following nutrients may decrease the reaction causing the muscle pain: "Omega-3 Fatty Acids - especially those found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation and allergic response. Magnesium - an important mineral for proper muscle and nerve function, as well as hundreds of different cell functions. " http://www.herbal-supplements-guide.com/fibromyalgia-herbs.html Again, you should make sure that you don't have an allergy to any of the medication that you are taking, as an allergic reaction can cause muscle pain and swelling. Getting massages could help, as could taking hot baths. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The libido problems may be from the Effexor. It can cause sexual disfunction and impotence. However, some have reported an increased libido, so I suppose it is all circumstantial. You should discuss reducing your dosage with your doctor, this can make a big difference. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ad.htm http://forums.about.com/ab-depression/messages?msg=1437.1 Some suggest that Viagara can reverse this effect. http://forums.about.com/ab-depression/messages?msg=1437.1 Others suggest Wellbutrin as an alternative to Exxefor. http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/WEL1488.HTM Some natural agents may help with the libido problem: Horny Goat Weed http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/libido/goat.html Catuaba, Guarana, and Muirapuama http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/libido/amazon.html Maca: Peru's Natural Viagra http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/libido/maca.html This may be controversial, but some suggest that the use of Marijuana can lessen the side effects of Lithium. http://www.onlinepot.org/medical/article12.htm You should always check with your doctor to make sure that these combinations of herbs, nutrients, drugs, etc. are compatible with what you are already taking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Google Search terms used: "lithium side effects" and libido and "muscle pain" "effexor side effects" and libido and muscle pain "muscle pain treatment" "increasing libido" or "boosting libido"