Just left neurologist office (vitamin d and lithium related)

[ChrisSelf]

He had concerns about overdosing the vitamin d. Has anyone been told similar things? He's concerned about vitamin d build up and kidney stones.

He also prescribed lithium carbonate 300 mg twice a day as a preventative. Anyone have any luck breaking out of a cycle with this?

The vitamin d has made a huge difference. Down to two to three minor headaches a day. Oxygen kills them or I can survive them if needed.

[CHfather]

Yes, lots of people are told that about D3.  As far as I know, as long as you take the full regimen as specified (and regularly check your D levels), you're not in danger.

 

Here's what the experts say about lithium (from Goadsby, "Treatment of Cluster Headache"): 

>>> Lithium carbonate is mainly used in chronic CH because of its side effects, although it is sometimes
employed in the episodic variety. The usual dose of lithium is 600 mg to 900 mg per day in divided
doses. Lithium levels should be obtained within the first week and periodically thereafter with target
serum levels of 0.4 to 0.8 mEq/L. Neurotoxic effects include tremor, lethargy, slurred speech, blurred
vision, confusion, nystagmus, ataxia, extrapyramidal signs, and seizures. Concomitant use of
sodium-depleting diuretics should be avoided, as they may result in high lithium levels and
neurotoxicity. Long-term effects such as hypothyroidism and renal complications must be monitored
in patients who use lithium for extended periods of time. Polymorphonuclear leukocytosis is a
common reaction to lithium and is often mistaken for occult infection. Concomitant use with
indomethacin can increase the lithium level.<<

[LennyC]

Up until a week ago, in prep for a bust, I've been on lithium for about 10 years. I'm allergic to Verapamil and most of the other prophylactics. Lithium won't break an episode, you start it with a steroid taper (or what ever you do to break a cycle) and hope that the taper breaks your cycle, and the lithium comes in behind to prevent I went from 2 episodes a year to one using the lithium. Started at 600, then 900, then eventually 1200 mgs/day in divided doses. You need to watch your GFR (kidney function) as it is a salt, and hard on the kidneys. Step up your water intake. BTW, I also do Batch's Vit D regimen, and keep my D between 75-85 nmol/ml (units?) I eat 10,000 IU/day of D, and have for several years with no adverse events.