I am wondering what is considered a theraputic level of Lithium for treatment of CH? 

I have been on Lithium several times and am currently on it for the durration of this bout as well.  My HA neuro indicated that the levels are very low.  I will try to get the number for comparison to what I learn here tonight.  He then indicated that he prescribed the lith not to stop the HA's but instead to counter the manic side effects of the 120 mg Prednisone taper I also am finishing up. 

Either way I have only had a handfull of hits most Kip 5-9 since starting all of the above along with Batchs 123 method, and 10 mg Melatonin.   

Regardless of what is working I am still wondering if the theraputic levels of lithium differ based on what they are trying to treat. 

Thanks for the input. 

E

I found this info in one of Bob's posts:

From: HEADACHE & PAIN, November 2003

Lithium in cluster headache prophylaxis. The mechanism by which lithium is effective in cluster headaches is poorly understood. However, it is likely that this agent exerts its effects by altering sodium channels in the nervous system, thereby modifying hyperexcitability of neuronal tissues.

The typical initial dosage is 300 mg tid. The dosage can be adjusted to achieve optimal control and tolerability. In most cases, serum lithium levels are lower than that needed to control the manic phase of bipolar illness. Often, a blood level of less than 0.6 mEq/L proves adequate for cluster headache prophylaxis.

Because there is considerable individual variability in metabolism and excretion of lithium, it is important to monitor blood levels of the drug, which should be maintained at less than 1.2 mEq/L to avoid toxicity. Patients who take lithium should avoid thiazide-type diuretics and maintain adequate salt intake to minimize the risk of toxicity.

On rare occasions, lithium affects thyroid function. A baseline thyroid profile should therefore be obtained before therapy is initiated. Side effects tend to be dose-related and, in most cases, are more annoying than serious. A fine motor tremor and decreased coordination are common. These disappear after the drug is withdrawn.

I used 900 mg for many years, but in my mid 40's it began to lose its effectiveness so we kicked it up to 1200 mg. I still do a blood draw after I've been at 1200 for a few weeks, and have my thyroid function checked once a year at my yearly physical.

Joe

I just dropped back into episode after 1.5 years pf - I was on 300 mg twice a day and was at a level of .6 - we added one more 300 mg pill mid afternoon to try to get level well above .6 - in the .8 range - my doc says .6 is the bare minimum