GENERIC NAME: LITHIUM - ORAL (LITH-ee-um)

BRAND NAME(S): Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: It is very important to have the right amount of lithium in your body because too much of it may lead to unwanted effects such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, or increased urination. Notify your doctor promptly if these effects occur. The difference between the correct amount of lithium and too much, is small. Therefore, it is important you be monitored closely.

USES: This medication is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.

HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. This medication works best if the amount of the drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Drink 8-12 glasses of water or other fluid each day and maintain a regular diet while taking this medication. Do not change the amount of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medication must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heart rate, severe trembling of the hands. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Depression - Read about depression causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), postpartum depression and clinical depression. Source:MedicineNet Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Read about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks), causes (war, traumatic events), effects (depression, suicide) and treatment (medications, exposure therapy). Source:MedicineNet Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Read about bipolar disorder (BD or manic-depressive illness), a brain disorder that causes dramatic mood swings (highs and lows) and affects a person's energy levels and ability to function. These highs and lows are episodes of mania and depression. The mania symptoms of manic depression include increased energy, extreme irritability, spending sprees, and increased sex drive. Depression symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, decreased energy, thoughts of death or suicide, and chronic pain. Long-term preventive treatment combining medication and psychosocial treatment is recommended. Source:Government Read 31 more lithium related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection