Lithium
Description
Lithium is a mood stabilizing agent that is used in the treatment of mania and bipolar disorder. This medicine may increase the risk of adverse effects, therefore, do not take more than prescribed amount. Monitoring of kidney, heart and thyroid function is necessary.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Lithium
- Confusion
- Increased thirst
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Changes in vision
- Skin rash
- Excessive air or gas in stomach
Uses of Lithium
What is it prescribed for?
- Mania
- Bipolar disorder
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed in 5 to 7 days.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving and operating machinery.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Lithium.
Severe heart disease
Not recommended in patients with known heart diseases.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Impaired kidney function
This medicine may get accumulated in patients with kidney failure. Close monitoring of Lithium concentration is necessary. The treatment should be discontinued if the Lithium levels are high.
Fluid and electrolyte balance
The concentration of this medicine may increase if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating occurs. Reduce the dose in these conditions and close monitoring is necessary. Correct all the electrolytes level before starting the treatment.
Brugada syndrome
This medicine is not recommended in patients with Brugada syndrome which is characterized by abnormal ECG changes and increases the risk of death. Inform the doctor if you have any heart diseases. Necessary precautions should be taken accordingly.
Pediatric use
This medicine is not recommended in children less than 12 years.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Use of this medicine with alcohol will cause depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system.
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving and operating machinery.
Interaction with Medicine
Metformin
Ondansetron
Furosemide
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI's)
Disease interactions
Dementia
This medicine is not recommended in patients with dementia-related psychosis as it increases the risk of heart diseases like heart failure and infectious diseases like pneumonia. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
Heart Disease
This medicine is not recommended in patients with heart disease. Inform the doctor if you have any heart disease before receiving this medicine. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
Hypothyroidism
This medicine may alter the thyroid levels, therefore, not recommended in patients with hypothyroidism. Check the thyroid levels before starting the treatment. The treatment should be discontinued if thyroid levels are low.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Lithium at the same time everyday. Do not take in larger amounts than advised due to the risk of toxicity. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not take this medicine if you have any kidney disease and heart disease.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to the receptors and inhibits release of the chemical substances and helps in maintaining the brain function.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous antipsychotic agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 15 May 2017]. Available from:
Lithium: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 15 May 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 15 May 2017]. Available from:
Lithium - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 16 November 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 8 Feb 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.