bipolar spending
Possibly bipolar- lithium use and fear of needles?
Hi I am going to the docs tomorrow after spending 6 years of my life totally depressed and getting involved in some crazy stuff but my question is that when I was looking up treatments for bipolar it said that lithium is the popular choice, that doesn’t bother me but the fact I would need to get my blood checked every so often terrifies me. I have an extreme fear of needles. I know I need something to make me feel better but if I refused to give blood would they do anything? Or would they just stop the lithium? Thanks
If you are prescribed lithium and you refuse to take a blood test the doctor is going to view you as non-compliant and that could result in anything from firing you as a patient to discontinuation of the drug. These days there are several medicines that in many people work just as well as lithium. Lamotrigene is the most notable and most effective mood stablizer that does not require blood tests. Tell the doctor you are afraid of needle and you won’t do it and the doctor should have no problem working with you to find an alternative. Lithium is one of the most effective antimanic drugs, but it isn’t really the first choice for most doctors.
Prioritzing Your Expenses, Debt
