What is Lithium Carbonate ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Lithium Carbonate ER

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• There are several different forms of lithium. The dose for each is different and they are used at different times of the day. Do not change the type of medicine you take without talking to your doctor first.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Capsule, tablet, or extended-release tablet: Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• There are several different forms of lithium. The dose for each is different and they are used at different times of the day. Do not change the type of medicine you take without talking to your doctor first.

• Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Capsule, tablet, or extended-release tablet: Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lithium Carbonate ER

Lithium Carbonate ER contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lithium, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give the extended-release tablets to anyone younger than 12 years of age.

Lithium Carbonate ER warnings

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel disease (including Brugada syndrome), brain or nerve problems, or thyroid problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Lithium toxicityHeart problemsKidney problemsBrain problems (including encephalopathic syndrome, pseudotumor cerebri)Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)

• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Lithium Carbonate ER interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acetazolamide, buspirone, carbamazepine, fentanyl, fluoxetine, methyldopa, metronidazole, phenytoin, potassium iodide, sodium bicarbonate, theophylline, tramadol, tryptophan, St John's wortAntacidBlood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)Medicine for depression (including MAO inhibitor, SSRI, SNRI, TCA)Medicine to treat mental illness (including haloperidol)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam)Triptan medicine

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel disease (including Brugada syndrome), brain or nerve problems, or thyroid problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Lithium toxicityHeart problemsKidney problemsEncephalopathic syndrome (brain problem)

• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.