#7

Ah no worries, that’s still helpful.

I’d be interested to look at a fingerprick test for Li, say 1-2 hours after taking it if you happen to have a convenient option nearby.

It’s pretty low cost (~$12) though if you happen to be interested too:

https://www.mdsave.com/amp/procedures/lithium/d583f9c8

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#8

I just uploaded the thyroid panel. In the interest of science, I will look into lithium tests.

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#9

Quest Diagnostics has the test. It is $38, I will get it tested next time it is convenient, probably towards the end of the month.

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#10

Peter’s thoughts on lithium supplementation (AMA #3)

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#11

Interesting uk biobank data showing a 3.6 times reduction in mortality rates for those on lithium vs other antipsychotics.

Obviously not conclusive research but highly encouraging

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#12

@DrM noted in this other post in a different thread on Lithium, about this study the following

"I have to put on my Psychiatrist hat here and just mention that; 1. These are individuals with serious mental health conditions, and those conditions carry an increased probability of having a metabolic syndrome (increased lipids, obesity, etc.) (even if these individuals are untreated). 2. The “Other antipsychotic drug users” are likely on what we call “typical or atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, etc.),” which carry a markedly increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome and early death.
Lithium, by itself, for bipolar disorder, does not typically increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. So, in summary, I am saying that showing an increased lifespan in these subjects only on lithium compared to subjects taking typical or atypical antipsychotics cannot necessarily be generalized to adult subjects without one of these psychiatric conditions, if that makes sense.

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#13

This article has some good information on lithium. NOVOS includes 1mg of lithium in one of their products.

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#14

I think that the biggest argument for micro-dosed lithium is that it improves your mood and therefore probably reduces stress levels. It is definitely beneficial for healthspan. If you get some extra lifespan mixed in there, then that’s a bonus. Remember, less stress is shown to lead to increased longevity.

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#15

Do you take Lithium Orotate on the same day you take Rapamycin, or do you stop taking lithium orotate on the day of or after? I am only taking 5mg Lithium Orotate but it helps me immensely. I saw here a potential interaction with lithium, but I am guessing that’s more of a problem with higher doses of lithium carbonate?

#16

I take lithium orotate every day, including the days I take rapamycin. I take a very small dose or Lithium orotate. The drug interactions you link to are, I believe, most relevant for people taking high doses (100 to 600 times more than my dose) of lithium for other applications, like mental health issues. I don’t think its very relevant to the tiny doses we are taking. But - perhaps not a bad idea to skip lithium on rapamycin dosing days to be extra cautious.

#17

I don’t think Lithium metabolises in the same way that other things do. Hence I would not think if taken daily it would really impact on Rapamycin taken weekly.

Its serum half life is around a day so you are going to have quite a bit hanging around from the previous days anyway. (roughly the same as the amount from the dose you miss out if indeed you do)

“Lithium is almost exclusively excreted via the kidney as a free ion and lithium clearance is considered to decrease with aging. No gender- or race-related differences in kinetics have been demonstrated. Renal insufficiency is associated with a considerable reduction in renal clearance of lithium and is considered a contraindication to its use, especially if a sodium-poor diet is required.”

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#18

FWIW Bryan Johnson also takes Lithium daily and he publishes his blood biomakers. You may get him to be more specific in the spirit of science. He has been responsive to me in the past.

I take Lithium too and will gladly ask my Dr to test for it next time I get my blood drawn. I am lucky the Dr pretty much tests for anything I want and insurance has been generous with covering pretty much everything so far.

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#19

I figured that the interaction potential was for high doses. I noticed a difference in my mood after just 2 days of taking 5mg. I’ll pause now and then when I take my rapamycin dose.

#20

Do you contact Bryan through twitter? I see (according to blueprint) he takes 1mg. Maybe I can consider taking less and see how that goes. Been on 5mg/daily for almost a week and it has noticeably improved my mood!

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#21

Yes twitter, though I have seen him reply spottily to youtube comments and instagram posts too.

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#22

See if you can get a really sensitive test. AIUI the levels for longevity are about 50 microMolar and many lithium tests find that close to the lowest threshold. The mental health lithium treatments aim for much higher concentrations.

#23

Which is better to use as a lithium form? Lithium orotate or lithium carbonate, is it better? Is there a risk when taken with rapamycin?

#24

I’d say lithium orotate is better and it works quite well with Rapamycin.

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#25

Lithium orotate (very low dose) is what most of us here take, I think. Its easily available on amazon.

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#26

aspartate as well. (extend to 20 chars)