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Adding Lithium To An Antidepressant - Treatment Resistant Depression
A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭

Hi my psychiatrist says I have treatment resistant depression as I have not responded to two different antidepressants from different groups so now he has decided to reduce the dose of the antidepressant I'm on and add lithium. I'm worried about taking two drugs at once, how will he know which one to increase/decrease if I still feel depressed?I've been on the lithium for 5 days and feel no benefit from it whatsoever. Many thanks for your replies..

posted September 6, 2018
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A MyDepressionTeam Member

I am on lithium and I been on it a while it as helped me get through my cancer which as now gone

posted September 6, 2018
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Although I’ve never been on lithium and certainly I know you would hope that after five days you would feel something I know for some people it can take longer to take full effect of new medication. I’ve never heard of treatment resistant depression I know that I’ve tried a number of different meds over the years and different combos as well. To be honest I’ve. It not noticed a big difference with any of them to my frustration!
I do hope you find what works for you. I do know some people who got lucky and found the right meds so there is hope! Best wishes sent your way! 🤗❤️

posted September 6, 2018
A MyDepressionTeam Member

You'll have to give the lithium alot more time to get into your system. Stick with it,I had amazing results that lasted 5 yrs but know people who are still doing well.
What antidepressant are you taking?

If you've any more questions feel free to message me.

posted September 6, 2018
A MyDepressionTeam Member

@A MyDepressionTeam Member I would give the lithium more time - - 5 days doesn't sound like a lot of time. And I would try to have faith that your psychiatrist knows what he/she is doing...being on 2 drugs is not difficult to have a handle on. It's when your talking 5 or 6 or 7 drugs that it gets difficult. Best of luck to you. I would also look up lithium in mayoclinic.com or anywhere you can check side effects etc. Or even talk to your pharmacist.

posted September 6, 2018
A MyDepressionTeam Member

If the lithium doesn't work, ask your doc if you can try Lamictal. I take it with Lexapro and noticed a difference within days.

posted September 18, 2018

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