Lithium

capsules, syrup

maximum: 3600 mg a day

elderly: should not exceed 300-900 mg a day

children: lower dose

excited, agitated states (mania)

use of antidepressants

use of Tegretol, Thorazine, Prozac, Haldol, for some people

use of Valium, Calan, Isoptin

use of diuretic (water) pills, sodium bicarbonate

low sodium (salt) diet, low sodium levels

use of vitamin-mineral supplements

kidney problems

thyroid problems

heart disease

diabetes

heavy sweating, dehydration

schizophrenia

brain damage

epilepsy

any illness causing fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea

electroshock treatment

nursing, pregnancy

surgery

often:
increased thirst (60%)

frequent urination

nausea, vomiting

diarrhea

shaking of the hands

drowsiness, lethargy, apathy

muscle weakness

lightheadedness

dizziness

difficulty thinking, concentrating

weight gain

rise in white blood cell count

blurred eyesight

ringing in the ears

sexual problems (30%)

breast swelling

sometimes:
kidney disease

bed-wetting, urinary problems

metallic taste

stomach ache, vomiting

decreased appetite

diabetic reaction

dizziness, "blacking out", weakness

slurred speech

muscles spasms

loss of bladder or rectal control

painful discoloration and coldness of hands and feet

Parkinson's-like symptoms (elderly)

rarely:
coma (passing out) and death from poisoning (see Remember below)

heart attack

goitre (swollen thyroid)

headache

hallucinations, delirium, confusion

skin rash, itching

swollen ankles and wrists

sleeplessness, restlessness

seizures

trance-like state

slower heartbeat, low blood pressure

hair loss

muscle twitching, lack of coordination

dry mouth

liver problems

• It is necessary to have medical tests before you begin taking lithium.

• The use of lithium requires more care than other psychiatric drugs. A safe, effective level is difficult to achieve, adjustments are often necessary, and toxicity or poisoning from lithium is extremely dangerous. It can lead to permanent brain and kidney damage, and death. The poisonous level is different for each person, and changes, so regular blood and urine tests are essential.

• Avoid a low-sodium diet and keep your body fluids up. Eat enough salt, and drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

• Avoid long periods of heavy sweating and hot weather.

• You should not drive, operate machines, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• This drug is passed in mother's milk and can cause birth defects, especially of the heart, in unborn children. It should not be given to pregnant or nursing women.

• Stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially drowsiness, extreme restlessness, slurred speech, shaking hands, muscle twitching, lack of coordination, staggering, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, which are symptoms of lithium poisoning. If you suspect you have lithium poisoning, stop taking it immediately.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you are not stopping lithium because of poisoning, do it slowly.

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