What is Lithium? Uses, warnings & side effects
Lithium overview
BRAND NAMES:
Lith-Oro, Lith-Oro, Lith-Oro, Lithobid
Generic Names:
Lithium
Uses:
Treats and helps prevent manic episodes of bipolar disorder.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antimanic, Nutriceutical, Nutriceutical
Forms:
Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Lithium used for?
Lithium works by changing the movement of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body. This stops or minimizes the degree of manic episodes. Lithium treats the symptoms of bipolar disorder which includes anger, rushed speech, hyperactivity, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, and aggression.
What form(s) does Lithium come in?
Capsule
Liquid
Tablet
Long Acting Tablet
What are common Lithium dosages?
Bottle 500ML of 8MEQ/5ML
Lithium images - What does Lithium look like?
Lithium
500ml of 8meq/5ml bottleLithium
5ml of 8meq/5ml cup
How to take Lithium
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
Lithium contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lithium?
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 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 interactions & what to avoid when taking Lithium
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.
Lithium side effects - How does Lithium make you feel?
Serious Side Effects
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, or drowsiness
Fever
Confusion, problems with walking or balance, muscle movements you cannot control
Lightheadedness or fainting
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Less Serious Side Effects
Mild thirst
Mild nausea
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