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Lithium |
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What is Lithium and why is it prescribed? Lithium is used to treat the manic episodes of manic-depressive illness. Once the mania subsides, Lithium treatment may be continued over the long term, at a somewhat lower dosage, to prevent or reduce the intensity of future manic episodes. Some doctors also prescribe Lithium for premenstrual tension, eating disorders such as bulimia, certain movement disorders, and sexual addictions. If the Lithium dosage is too low, you will derive no benefit. If it is too high, you could suffer Lithium poisoning. You and your doctor will need to work together to find the correct dosage. Initially, this means frequent blood tests to find out how much of the drug is actually circulating in your bloodstream. As long as you take Lithium, you will need to watch for side effects. Signs of Lithium poisoning include vomiting, unsteady walking, diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor, and weakness. Stop taking the drug and call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. How should you take Lithium? Follow your doctors directions for taking Lithium. To avoid upset stomach, take Lithium immediately after meals or with food or milk. Do not change from one brand of lithium to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Take the drug exactly as prescribed. While taking Lithium, you should drink 10 to 12 glasses of water or fluid a day. To minimize the risk of harmful side effects, eat a balanced diet that includes some salt and lots of liquids. If you have been sweating a great deal or have had diarrhea, make sure you get extra liquids and salt. If you develop an infection with a fever, you may need to cut back on your Lithium dosage or even quit taking it temporarily. While you are ill, keep in close touch with your doctor. Lithium CR should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, or break. If you miss a dose ask your doctor what to do. Requirements vary for each individual. Do not take two doses at once. Store Lithium at room temperature. Are there any Lithium side effects? Lithium side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects that may occur when you start taking Lithium include discomfort, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, and nausea. Other Lithium side effects may include abdominal pain, blackout spells, cavities, changes in taste perception, coma, confusion, dehydration, dizziness, dry hair, dry mouth, fatigue, gas, hair loss, hallucinations, increased salivation, indigestion, involuntary tongue movements, involuntary urination or bowel movements, irregular heartbeat, itching, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle rigidity, muscle twitching, painful joints, poor memory, restlessness, ringing in ears, seizures, sexual dysfunction, skin problems, sleepiness, slowed thinking, slurred speech, startle response, swelling, thinning hair, tightness in chest, vision problems, vomiting weakness, weight gain, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Lithium? If Lithium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lithium with ACE-inhibitor blood pressure drugs (such as Capoten or Vasotec), Acetazolamide (Diamox), Amphetamines (such as Dexedrine), Antidepressant drugs that boost serotonin levels (including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft), Bicarbonate of soda, Caffeine (No-Doz), Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs (such as Calan and Cardizem), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Diuretics (such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Iodine-containing preparations (such as potassium iodide/Quadrinal), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol and Thorazine), Methyldopa (Aldomet), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Celebrex, Feldene, Indocin, and Vioxx), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Sodium bicarbonate, Tetracyclines (such as Achromycin V and Sumycin), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Quibron, others). Are there any special warnings about Lithium? Lithium may affect your judgment or coordination. Do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you find out how this drug affects you. Your doctor will prescribe Lithium with extra caution if you have a heart or kidney problem, brain or spinal cord disease, or a weak, run-down, or dehydrated condition. Also make sure your doctor is aware of any medical problems you may have, including diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, and difficulty urinating. You should be careful in hot weather to avoid activities that cause you to sweat heavily. Also avoid drinking large amounts of coffee, tea, or cola, which can cause dehydration through increased urination. Do not make a major change in your eating habits or go on a weight loss diet without consulting your doctor. The loss of water and salt from your body could lead to Lithium poisoning. |
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