[name?] How to safely come off of 300 mg of Lithium

[amandagorte]

I have mild postpartum depression. My Pdoc put me on Lithium Carbonate.. She wants me to take 150 mg for 4 days.then 300 for four days and then 300 mg for four days and then 450 for four days and then 600 mg.I'm supposed to take 450 mg tonight.I haven't ever had a manic episode,I explained to here I am always calm but I just feel down because of the depression after having a baby. But ever since I been taking this medication for about a week now I've been really angry and irritated and annoyed and very tired and more depressed. I felt so much better before I started this medication.How can I taper off of Lithium 300 mg safely?

[mammaP]

Hi Amanda, As you have only been taking the lithium for a week you should be able to stop it. .It will take some time for the side effects to settle once it has been stopped.  Haveing a baby is the most natural thing in the world. The body is having to return to a normal state with hormones fluctuating to regain their balance. The new responsibilities of a tiny new life to look after can be frightening and the lack of sleep is exhausting. All this takes place and we adjust naturally but it is called a mental illness and new mums are given drugs instead of the TLC and support that would make a huge difference. 

I hope you feel much better soon. , Congratulations on your new baby, enjoy every second because before you know it, your precious little one will be going off to school!