Lithium – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Lithium is used to treat various disorders, it affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body, sodium affects arousal or mania. Lithium is used to treat manic  episodes of bipolar disorder ( manic depression ).

Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, hurried speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. Lithium also helps to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes.

Important Information About Lithium:

Do not use Lithium  without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It can cause harm to the fetus. Use an effective form of birth control and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any early signs of lithium toxicity , such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremors, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears.

Do not crush or break an extended-release Lithium  tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Drink extra fluids so you don’t get dehydrated while taking this medication . Tell your doctor if you are sweating excessively or if you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea .

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the type and amount of fluids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much fluid can be just as dangerous as not drinking enough.

Lithium can cause side  effects that can impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert after taking Lithium .

Precautions Before Taking Lithium:

You should not use Lithium  if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• An abnormal electrocardiograph, or ECG (sometimes called an ECG);
• fainting;
• Family history of death before age 45;
• Kidney disease;
• Heart disease;
• A debilitating disease;
• A thyroid disorder;
• Low levels of sodium in the blood ;
• If you are dehydrated.

Some medications can interact with lithium  and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Make sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medications , opioid medications, herbal products, or medications for depression , mental illness, Parkinson’s, migraines, serious infections, or preventing nausea and vomiting.

Ask your doctor before making any changes to how or when you take your medications . It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You should not breast-feed while using Lithium . Lithium is  not approved for use by children under the age of 12.

How to Take Lithium?

Take Lithium  exactly as prescribed for you. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use Lithium  in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. An overdose can occur if you take just a little more than the recommended dose.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew or break it. Measure the liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided or use a medication dose measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Taking lithium  can make dehydration easier, especially if you have some vomiting or diarrhea , if you are outdoors in the sun, or if you exercise vigorously or sweat more than usual. Dehydration can increase some of Lithium ‘s side effects .

Call your doctor if you have a fever and vomiting or diarrhea , or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated when taking Lithium , which can affect your dose needs. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without your doctor’s advice.

Drink extra fluids each day to prevent dehydration. It may take up to 3 weeks for symptoms to improve. Continue using medication as directed and tell your doctor if symptoms do not begin to improve after 1 week of treatment.

You may need frequent blood tests. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon in advance that you are using Lithium . Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Lithium Dosage:

Usual Adult Dose of Lithium  for Mania:

Acute Control:

• Usual Dose: 1,800 mg/day – Extended-release formulas: 900 mg orally in the morning and evening
• Regular Release Formations: 600 mg orally 3 times daily, morning, afternoon and evening

Long Term Control:

• Maintenance Dose: 900 to 1200 mg/day;
• Extended Release Formulations: 600 mg orally morning and evening;
• Regular Release Formulations: 300 mg orally 3 to 4 times daily.

NOTE:  Dose should be individualized according to serum levels and response to treatment. Alternative extended-release formulation doses are 600 mg 3 times daily (acute control) and 300 mg 3 to 4 times daily (long-term control).

What Happens if You Miss a Lithium Dose?

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What Happens If You Overdose Lithium?

Stop taking Lithium  and seek emergency medical attention. Early signs of lithium  toxicity include: vomiting, diarrhea , tremors, loss of balance or coordination, drowsiness, or muscle weakness.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Lithium?

Avoid driving or dangerous activities until you know how this drug will affect you. Your reactions can be impaired. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or without drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the type and amount of fluids you should drink.

Don’t change the amount of salt you consume in your diet. Changing your salt intake can change the amount of lithium  in your blood .

Lithium side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to lithium :

• Urticaria;
• Also, difficulty breathing;
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Also, call your doctor right away if you have:
• A dizzy feeling, as if you were going to pass out;
• Also, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath;
• Fever, increased thirst or urination;
• Also, weakness, dizziness or spinning sensation;
• Confusion, memory problems, hallucinations ;
• Also, uncontrolled muscle movements, slurred speech;
• Loss of bowel or bladder control;
• Also, a seizure (blackout or seizures);
• Dehydration symptoms – feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating or hot, dry skin;
• Also, increased pressure inside the skull – severe headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind the eyes.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Lithium Use?

Tell your doctor about all your current medications . Many drugs can interact with lithium , especially:

• Also, a diuretic or “water pill”;
• Fluoxetine (Prozac);
• In addition, metronidazole;
• Potassium iodide thyroid medication;
• Also, heart or blood pressure medication;
• seizure medication ; or
• Also, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Other information:

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use Lithium  only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.