Lithium and hard “sweaty” training *TW*

A bit unsure where to post this question. First time posting a question. Some background information on me at the end.

Used Lamictal for three-four years with good results. Now my doctor wants me to add Lithium.

Being on Lithium, it is very important not getting dehydrated. For me workouts, especially running, is the best medicine (the medication is probably more important).

Before being properly diagnosed I used exercise to take the pain away. I could put on my running shoes, sit in the hall for hours trying to come up with reasons not to commit suicide. Literally slaping myself in the face to force me go out through the door. One step in front of the other. Sometimes crying while jogged. But the running almost always took me out of the worst darkness.

I’m a person sweating quite a lot when working out. I really enjoy hard interval running workouts and have done a couple of marathons. It would really feel like a setback not being able to continuing with hard workouts and marathons.

Does anyone have experience of Lithium and hard “sweaty” training and running marathons? Will I have to stop with marathons after starting using Lithium?

I’ve googled this but to my surprise I can’t find any information on Lithium and marathon running.

Some background on me: I’m been bipolar since around age 22 but only since 3-4 years back been properly diagnosed and medicated (I’m 39 today). To date I have been medicated with Lamictal. But now my doctor wants to add Lithium because I still have quite a lot of suicidal fantasies.

P.S. I apologize for bad grammar and any misspelling. English is not my first language.

I play basketball in the hot summer sun and I can't play a ton without feeling weird. Be very careful not to get lithium toxicity. I think marathons are out of the question but ask your pdoc. I suppose you could really lower your dose and drink lots of water. I'd do your running in cold weather so you don't sweat as much or in the A/C on a treadmill in the summer.

Make sure and get your levels monitored after you run. I would think a 5K/10K is more reasonable. Personally I don't think marathons are good for anybody, especially someone on Lithium.

z7z wrote:Make sure and get your levels monitored after you run. I would think a 5K/10K is more reasonable. Personally I don't think marathons are good for anybody, especially someone on Lithium.

Marathons destroy your body. I used to run but had to stop because I was destroying my knees.
I'm no professional (none of us are) so I would ask your pdoc or even a pharmacist about your workout routine. It's great that you're getting your exercise in but whereas lithium is affected by your salt levels and how hydrated you are I'd be careful until you get the go ahead from the expert. Lithium toxicity is a nasty thing and needs to be avoided at all costs.

Thanks so much.

(I agree that marathon training is not the best form of exercise. The risk of injury is high and marathon training does not add anything to your health that regular 5/10k jogging cannot do. However, I have done marathons without getting injury and one goal has always been to finish a marathon with the feeling that I did everything right)

Of course I will consult my doctor. I just wanted to hear about the experience of others. Being bipolar means adapting (reduce stress, regular exercise, regular sleep, less alcohol etc.). But it's sad if one have to give up ones interests. But I can live with that. I will probably need to adjust myself to 5/10k training as well. Be a little more aware of the risk of dehydration after work outs.